It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Joseph Mayan, Sr., age 87, who passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Born on September 28, 1938, in Merrill, Michigan, Tom was the son of Rudolph and Mildred (Siler) Mayan. He was raised in Merrill and graduated from Sacred Heart School. After attending Aquinas College in Grand Rapids for two years, he transferred to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

During college, Thomas met the love of his life, Dorothy Swanson. They were united in marriage on September 3, 1960, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades and centered on faith, family, and community.

Thomas began his engineering career with Michigan Department of Transportation. He then stated with the Gratiot County Road Commission, where he worked from 1962 to 1974. He then joined Pickett and Schreur Contracting from 1974 to 1977. In 1977, he returned to his hometown of Merrill to become a partner in the family business, The Mayan Insurance Agency. During that time, he also founded Central Michigan Engineering and served as engineer for Gratiot, Clinton, and Montcalm counties. His dedication to public service extended to his role as Village Engineer, a position he faithfully held for more than 40 years.

A devoted member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Merrill, Thomas lived out his faith through active service to his church community. He sang in the choir, served as a lector, and taught faith formation classes. His commitment to Merrill and the surrounding communities was evident throughout his life. He served as Village President in 1990 and was a member of both the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He also served for several years as chairman of Rural Task Force Regimen 7B.

Tom was perhaps best known by many as the beloved "Voice of the Vandals," a role he proudly held for more than 20 years. His enthusiastic support of local athletics reflected his lifelong love of sports and his unwavering dedication to the young people of his community.

An avid golfer and basketball player, Thomas enjoyed reading, walking, and following sports. A proud alumnus of Marquette University, he remained a devoted fan of Marquette basketball throughout his life. Above all else, he was the biggest fan of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether from the sidelines, in the stands, or cheering from home, he rarely missed an opportunity to support their athletic, academic, and personal accomplishments. He took immense pride in all they achieved and celebrated each milestone with joy.

Thomas will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and steadfast commitment to serving others. He gave freely of his time, talents, and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations throughout the region. A loyal and loving brother to his five sisters, he cherished time spent with family. He especially delighted in teasing loved ones and creating unique nicknames for each person, a tradition that brought laughter and fond memories to all who knew him.

His legacy of faith, service, compassion, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Thomas will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Dorothy; his children, Rudy (Deawn) Mayan, Thomas (Jodi) Mayan, Christine (Brett) Luplow; his grandchildren, Meredith (Dusty) Humm, Jessica Mayan, Kyle (Lexi) Mayan, Katy (Austin) Chapman, Anthony (Shelby) Dils, Alex (Fiancé – Kenna) Dils, Matthew Dils, and Mary Grace Luplow; his great-grandchildren, Emery Humm, Ari and Bennett Dils, Corbin Chapman, and Leighton Mayan; his sisters, Margaret (George) Glinke, Yvonne (Richard) Corbat, Leona Osbourne, and Rita (Thomas) Laberteaux; as well as many other extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will hold his memory dear.

Alongside his parents, he is preceded in passing by his sister and her husband Jeanne and William Nohel, and his brother-in-law, Pat Osbourne.

A funeral liturgy will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S Midland Rd, Merrill, MI 48637. Fr. Sunil Pallela will officiate, assisted by Fr. James Bessert. Friends are welcome to gather with the family from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at W.L Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609, and again at the church Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of the service. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the funeral home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation in honor of Thomas to St. John XXIII Parish, https://saginaw.org/donate, Optimal Care Hospice, https://www.optimal.care/foundation/, or Merrill Community School District Athletics, 555 W Alice St, Merrill, MI 48637.