Hales, Thomas R. Saginaw, Michigan
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016, at home after a courageous battle with cancer, age 76 years. He was born on May 12, 1939, son of the late Thomas and Naomi (Paquette) Hales, in Saginaw. He was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1957 and enjoyed luncheons with his classmates. Thomas married Marian Higgins on April 29, 1961, she survives him. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the American Legion Post #439 and the Eagles. He retired from Saginaw Steering Gear after 35 years of service and was a volunteer for the Thomas Township Fire Dept. He enjoyed the many family traditions of trips to the cottages at Houghton Lake and Londo Lake, 32 annual fishing expeditions with his brothers-in-law, playing cards and music. He was a big Tigers Baseball and Michigan Football fan. Tom will be remembered for his fun and loving personality.
Besides his loving wife of 54 years, Marian, are his daughter, Tracey Gilmore; his son, Jeffrey (Raquel) Hales, Algonac, MI; his grandchildren, Torry Vitek, Sophie and Emily Gilmore and Kaytlin (Derek) Axford; his brothers, Jim (Marsha) Hales and Don (Sandy) Hales; his sisters, Betty (Dale) Gillespie, Ft. Meyers, FL and Barbara Bryant; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward (Lorrie) Higgins, David Higgins, Phoenix, AZ, Marcia Corbin, Tampa, FL, and Michael Ball; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Eric Bryant and his sisters-in-law, Lois Milwrick and Nancy Ball.
Memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at W. L. Case and Company, 201 N. Miller Road. Pastor Adam Harbaugh will officiate. Honoring Thomas's wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Hopevale Church or Wounded Warriors.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609
