Obituary of Lowell M. Thomas

Our beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, January 02, 2017 with his family by his side at the University of Michigan Health System. He was 74 years old. Lowell M. Thomas, Jr. was born on February 27, 1942 in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Lowell Milton and Hazel M. (Long) Thomas, Sr. He was a proud graduate of AHHS and attended Delta College. Following college he began working for Eaton Manufacturing. After three years of service with Eaton, Tom proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, honorably serving during the Vietnam War for three years on the USS Pickaway. Upon his return, Tom went back to work for Eaton Manufacturing, retiring after 40 years of service. Tom continued to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Naval Reserve, retiring with over 20 years of service. He married the love of his life, Judith Takako (Nozumi) Thomas on July 14, 1979 at St. Stephen Catholic Church; she survives him. Tom faithfully attended St. Stephen Catholic Church with his wife Judy. He was a member of the Saginaw People to People Chapter 7 and served as their Corresponding Secretary, a member of the Saginaw Historical Museum, a supporter of the Crawford County Historical Museum and the Saginaw County Fair Association. He was passionate about history and enjoyed wood working, as well as building. Above all, he loved and cherished his beloved wife, Judy and his family. He will forever be remembered as a caring gentle giant and for his selflessness in volunteering to help people. Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Judith T. Thomas; two sisters: Joan (Jack) Hoover of Aiken, SC, and Phyllis (John) Hess of Charlevoix; a special friend, Dr. A. Mike Manzoni, DVM of Hemlock. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews, his extended family in Japan, many friends, and his two cats, Miko and Sparkie. He was preceded in death by a niece, Patti Jo Rigg. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. A private burial will take place at a later date. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Tom will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.