Richard Lee Thomas Sr., aged 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, near Traverse City, Michigan, the area of his longtime cottage and home. Born on July 18, 1945, in Coopersville, Michigan, Richard was a 1963 graduate of Coopersville High School and later made his home in nearby Marne, Michigan. Richard was a devoted servant to his faith, family, and country, living a life marked by charity, love, and patriotism. He honorably served in the Michigan Army National Guard, with two deployments during his service. Even after retirement, his dedication to supporting veterans continued through volunteering with The Salvation Army, offering red poppies in remembrance of those who served. He was also a committed member of The Knights of Columbus Council #11581 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he actively supported charitable efforts within the community. He dedicated 34 years to General Motors, beginning at the Wyoming Diesel Plant and concluding his career at GM’s Fuel Injector Plant in Coopersville.
Following a heart attack and a prognosis giving him only ten years to live, Richard committed to walking every day for the next ten years, a testament to his determination to far extend his life. A man of few words, he expressed his love in his role as grandfather—ensuring the next generations success. Known as Richard, Rick, or Dad, he was always there for late-night horse feedings, hay bailing, or mixing alfalfa powder for Prince, the old horse with no teeth. His life was anchored by his love for Regina Brechting, whom he married on September 18, 1982, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Alpine.
We will never forget him nor the last time we saw him: in his comfy chair, on a pontoon, in the seat of his red Chevy pickup, on a snow machine named Yamaha, or on his favorite horse, Honey. Now you belong to heaven — dancing the sunset skies over Harper Lake — laughter, in dry wit, upon the Eagles’ wings. With eyes lifted toward the heavens, and with outstretched fingers, he touched the face of God.
Richard is survived by his wife of 42 years, Regina; their children, Rick Jr. (Joanie), Leeanne Schmidt (Jason); Trevor Thomas, and Tracy Thomas; and his cherished grandchildren, Luci, Jay, Jacob, Benjamin, and Jordan. He is also survived by his brother, Rob (Cheryl) Thomas; his brother-in-law, James Brechting; his sister-in-law, Rose Marie (Kenneth) Miller; and his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Thomas; his mother, Carolyn J. Marek, and stepfather, Robert J. Marek; his parents-in-law, Theresa and Edward Brechting; his brothers, Robert Marek Jr., David Marek, and Randy Thomas; his sister, Vicky Bennett; and brothers-in-law, John "Jack" Brechting and Edward Brechting, Jr.; sister-in-law, Sharon Marek; along with beloved aunts and uncles, Mickey Taylor, Lois Taylor, Myrna Taylor, Helen (James) Thorpe, Shirley (Homer) Guy; a niece, Tammy Marek Venlet; and nephews, Jeremy Brechting and Jamie Thomas.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd., Comstock Park, with Fr. Richard Host as celebrant. Friends may visit with the family at Troop Funeral Home, 214 Church St, Coopersville, on Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Rosary service at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Thomas will lie in state one hour prior to the Mass at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the Mass, and interment will take place at a later date due to weather at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, 15164 Juniper Drive, Marne.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
3:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
Throop Funeral Home
Sunday, February 16, 2025
5:00 - 5:45 pm (Eastern time)
Throop Funeral Home
Monday, February 17, 2025
10:00am - 10:45 pm (Eastern time)
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Monday, February 17, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
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