Thomas Kenneth Cantrell, 82, passed away at Spectrum Hospital, Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids on Sept. 1 after being admitted 5 days earlier.
Thomas was born in Hamtramck to Curtis Walker Cantrell and Helen (Gennrich) Cantrell on Sept. 13, 1931, the second of five children. His family resided in Clawson before moving to Coldwater, where Tom graduated from high school. He then enlisted in the Air Force on his 18th birthday, was stationed in England, and served two years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a carpenter-millwright and was recognized by Millwright's Local 1102 as a 50-year member several years ago.
Thomas married Aloma Tjepkema in 1964; their marriage ended in divorce Jan. 11, 1966. He then married the love of his life, Gloria (Clouse-Calkins) Richard on Aug. 3, 1970. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage before she passed on Aug. 12, 2008.
Tom and Glo enjoyed their hideaway in Montcalm County and traveling cross-country to many of Glo's bowling tournaments. He also enjoyed reading World War II history and talking daily on the phone with his siblings.
A part of his heart will forever remain in Kentucky and Tennessee where he spent much time with his aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his siblings James (Ethel) of Murray, Kentucky, Marjorie Smith of Rome, Georgia and Constance Hoff of Coldwater; a guardian angel Ron Meyers; and many stepchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, both his wives, older brother Marion, and brother-in-laws Bill Smith and William Hoff Sr.
Thomas was a very kind, considerate and loving family man who will be missed dearly. "Adios" to a dear brother, uncle and friend.
A funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capitol Ave. N.E., Battle Creek. Visitation will be 9 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Wounded Warriors or a charity of one's choice.
Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 with military color guard.
Obit co-written by Steve and Brenda.
Thomas was born in Hamtramck to Curtis Walker Cantrell and Helen (Gennrich) Cantrell on Sept. 13, 1931, the second of five children. His family resided in Clawson before moving to Coldwater, where Tom graduated from high school. He then enlisted in the Air Force on his 18th birthday, was stationed in England, and served two years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a carpenter-millwright and was recognized by Millwright's Local 1102 as a 50-year member several years ago.
Thomas married Aloma Tjepkema in 1964; their marriage ended in divorce Jan. 11, 1966. He then married the love of his life, Gloria (Clouse-Calkins) Richard on Aug. 3, 1970. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage before she passed on Aug. 12, 2008.
Tom and Glo enjoyed their hideaway in Montcalm County and traveling cross-country to many of Glo's bowling tournaments. He also enjoyed reading World War II history and talking daily on the phone with his siblings.
A part of his heart will forever remain in Kentucky and Tennessee where he spent much time with his aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his siblings James (Ethel) of Murray, Kentucky, Marjorie Smith of Rome, Georgia and Constance Hoff of Coldwater; a guardian angel Ron Meyers; and many stepchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, both his wives, older brother Marion, and brother-in-laws Bill Smith and William Hoff Sr.
Thomas was a very kind, considerate and loving family man who will be missed dearly. "Adios" to a dear brother, uncle and friend.
A funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capitol Ave. N.E., Battle Creek. Visitation will be 9 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Wounded Warriors or a charity of one's choice.
Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 with military color guard.
Obit co-written by Steve and Brenda.
Thomas Kenneth Cantrell, 82, passed away at Spectrum Hospital, Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids on Sept. 1 after being admitted 5 days earlier.
Thomas was born in Hamtramck to Curtis Walker Cantrell and Helen (Gennrich) Cantrell on Sept. 13, 1931, the second of five children. His family resided in Clawson before moving to Coldwater, where Tom graduated from high school. He then enlisted in the Air Force on his 18th birthday, was stationed in England, and served two years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a carpenter-millwright and was recognized by Millwright's Local 1102 as a 50-year member several years ago.
Thomas married Aloma Tjepkema in 1964; their marriage ended in divorce Jan. 11, 1966. He then married the love of his life, Gloria (Clouse-Calkins) Richard on Aug. 3, 1970. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage before she passed on Aug. 12, 2008.
Tom and Glo enjoyed their hideaway in Montcalm County and traveling cross-country to many of Glo's bowling tournaments. He also enjoyed reading World War II history and talking daily on the phone with his siblings.
A part of his heart will forever remain in Kentucky and Tennessee where he spent much time with his aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his siblings James (Ethel) of Murray, Kentucky, Marjorie Smith of Rome, Georgia and Constance Hoff of Coldwater; a guardian angel Ron Meyers; and many stepchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, both his wives, older brother Marion, and brother-in-laws Bill Smith and William Hoff Sr.
Thomas was a very kind, considerate and loving family man who will be missed dearly. "Adios" to a dear brother, uncle and friend.
A funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capitol Ave. N.E., Battle Creek. Visitation will be 9 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Wounded Warriors or a charity of one's choice.
Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 with military color guard.
Obit co-written by Steve and Brenda.
Thomas was born in Hamtramck to Curtis Walker Cantrell and Helen (Gennrich) Cantrell on Sept. 13, 1931, the second of five children. His family resided in Clawson before moving to Coldwater, where Tom graduated from high school. He then enlisted in the Air Force on his 18th birthday, was stationed in England, and served two years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a carpenter-millwright and was recognized by Millwright's Local 1102 as a 50-year member several years ago.
Thomas married Aloma Tjepkema in 1964; their marriage ended in divorce Jan. 11, 1966. He then married the love of his life, Gloria (Clouse-Calkins) Richard on Aug. 3, 1970. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage before she passed on Aug. 12, 2008.
Tom and Glo enjoyed their hideaway in Montcalm County and traveling cross-country to many of Glo's bowling tournaments. He also enjoyed reading World War II history and talking daily on the phone with his siblings.
A part of his heart will forever remain in Kentucky and Tennessee where he spent much time with his aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his siblings James (Ethel) of Murray, Kentucky, Marjorie Smith of Rome, Georgia and Constance Hoff of Coldwater; a guardian angel Ron Meyers; and many stepchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, both his wives, older brother Marion, and brother-in-laws Bill Smith and William Hoff Sr.
Thomas was a very kind, considerate and loving family man who will be missed dearly. "Adios" to a dear brother, uncle and friend.
A funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capitol Ave. N.E., Battle Creek. Visitation will be 9 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Wounded Warriors or a charity of one's choice.
Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 with military color guard.
Obit co-written by Steve and Brenda.
Inscription
SGT US AIR FORCE KOREA
HUSBAND & WIFE
LOVE FOREVER
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
