Andrew John Thomas, 1927-2018

Andrew John Thomas passed on to his eternal rest Sunday March 18, 2018 at 90 years of age.  He was born in Mt. Olive, IL to John M. Thomas and Anna Fischer Thomas on December 19, 1927.  His parents preceded him in death, as did his siblings George Thomas (Doris), Marie Breza (Michael), Ann Balczo (John), and Marge Boilek (Charles).  Andy shared 63 years of marriage with his bride, Clare Baczewski Thomas, and she survives him, along with their children Mark Thomas (Paula), Cheryl Thomas, and Denise Rochon (Martin), and grandchildren Christine Kaim (Tim), Hannah Durham (Ben), Bethany Rochon, Carissa Cousino (Kurt), Jenee Rochon, Nolan Rochon and Austin Thomas Barber.  He has nine great-grandchildren; Ian, Aila and Annaliese Durham, Connor Rochon, Kylie, Gina, Abby and Trent Cousino and Jaxson Kaim. His nephews are Mike Breza, Rich Balczo, and Chuck Boilek, and many great nephews/nieces, and cousins. After graduating from high school in Mt. Olive, IL in 1945, Andy enlisted in the US Navy (WWII) and was stationed in San Diego and Washington, DC.  After completing his service he enrolled at St. Louis University and graduated with a degree in Finance.  He worked in the Transportation Industry for most of his career managing operations and logistics for companies based in St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit.  He was active in Boy Scouts and Parish functions at Our Lady Gate of Heaven Catholic Church in Detroit, MI where his children grew up, and upon moving to Taylor, MI in 1978, he and Clare became members of St. Alfred Catholic Church. Andy was very proud of his Slovak heritage and celebrated Slovak traditions of food, family and culture.  He was a passionate gardener, master crossword-puzzle-solver, liked to travel and was an excellent soup chef.  He loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home at 9800 S. Telegraph Rd. in Taylor, MI.  Visitation will be held Thurs March 22 from 5-8PM with a Rosary planned at 7:00pm, and Friday March 23 from 1-8PM.  A funeral Mass with Navy Military Honors will be offered at St. Alfred Catholic Church located at 24175 Baske St., Taylor, MI 48180 on Saturday March 24 at 11:30AM in state with a Mass beginning at 12 noon.  A burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI will take place Monday March 26th at 10:30am.The family requests memorial donations to Mt. Olive High School Booster Club, St. Alfred Catholic Church, Alzheimer's Association or Disabled American Veterans. A luncheon at Antonio's on Ford Rd. in Dearborn Hgts. will follow Mass about 1:00 pm.