WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
David B. Thomas, 75 of Palmetto, Fla., and a long-time Sturgis resident, died Thursday evening Aug. 13, 2009, at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich.
He was born Dec. 19, 1933, in Universal, Ind., a son of the late John and Martha (Bernard) Thomas.
David had resided in Florida since 1980 and prior to that he had lived in the Sturgis and Klinger Lake area for many years.
In June of 1963 he married Joyce Keagle in St. Pete, Florida.
He had owned and operated the Prop Stop Restaurant in Sturgis and was a partner in Tiny Tee a miniature golf course development company that built golf courses throughout the United States. While living in Florida he and his wife managed the Crab Trap I and II restaurants for many years and also owned and operated Dave’s Discount Tackle both in Palmetto.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp serving during the Korean Conflict. David was a past member of the Meridian Sun-Eagle Lodge #49 F&AM in Sturgis and the Sturgis Lions Club. He enjoyed fishing and riding motor cycles.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; one daughter, Holly Thomas of Charleston, SC; three sons, Scott Thomas of West Unity, Ohio, Michael (Joyce) Thomas of Bradenton, Florida and Daniel Thomas of Bryan, Ohio; three grandchildren; one brother, John (Angela) Thomas of Port St. Lucy, Fla.; and nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no services planned at this time.
If desired memorial donations would be appreciated to the Meridian Su-Eagle Lodge.
Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
The Hackman Family Funeral Home Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, (269) 651-2331 is handling the arrangements.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
