Murl James Thomas

Murl J. Thomas, age 89, of Wheeler died Monday, June 17, 2013 at his home.

Murl was born May 16, 1924 to Harold Reuben and Ivah Marie (Sturgis) Thomas  in Lafayette Township. Murl was a lifelong farmer and also throughout the years worked at the Chevrolet plant in Saginaw, Diamond Reo in Lansing, and after 33 years of service retired as a millwright from General Motors in Lansing. He was also licesed to sell dynamite.

Murl attended the Edgewood Church of God and was a member of the Elks Lodge in Alma. He loved spending time with his family and being up north at his cabin.  He also had his private pilots license and enjoyed flying, fabricating and working in the shop with the boys, and helping his neighbors.

Murl is survived by his children, Linda Kellogg of Carson City, Brenda (Rod) Whitmore of Ithaca, Jennifer Thomas of Ithaca, Teresa (Ted) Cole of Grand Rapids, Stuart (Diane) Thomas of Wheeler, Nancy Godley of Mt. Pleasant; 18 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and his sister Ruth Thompson of Wheeler.  Murl was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Gwynn Thomas and one grandson.

Funeral services for Murl will be 11am Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Edgewood Church of God. Pastor Dave Perry will officiate and burial will folllow at Lafayette Township Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8pm Tuesday, June 18, and 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday, June 19, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edgewood Church of God.