Thomas Edward Dyer

Thomas Edward Dyer passed away at home on Sunday, July 26, 2020 surrounded by and in the loving arms of his family. He died of natural causes not related to the COVID – 19 Virus. Thomas had an interesting and accomplished life.

Thomas was born as a tax exemption December 31, 1951. His loving parents were Patsy J. (Orphan) and Phillip H. Voelker. He spent much of his childhood living on Bristol Lake where he worked, played, learned how to swim better than your average fish, and on occasion got into some mischief with his brothers and childhood friends,

Thomas was a 1970 graduate of Delton Kellogg High School, where he was a member of the school's very first wrestling team. He became an exceptionally good and competitive wrestler and earned many awards. After school Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy proudly serving his country on the USS Wahoo. The Wahoo was one of a very few diesel boat submarines that was still active in the Navy at the time. Thomas was beloved by his crewmates who referred to him as "Sarge". While serving aboard the Wahoo Thomas became a Navy diver, another accomplishment of which he was very proud. Shortly before Thomas passed away he received a phone call from his former Navy Commander with whom he had a lengthy conversation. Thomas eventually went to work at his father's business, Battle Creek Glass Works, where he was loved and respected by his construction glazier coworkers. He retired after 27 years, always working hard and dedicated to providing the best finished product for everyone the company served.

Thomas Edward Dyer was united in marriage to Nora Ellen Smith on August 17, 1979 in Augusta, Michigan. Surviving are his loving wife, Nora; daughter, Jena Lea (Adam Hill) Dyer of Salisbury, MD; granddaughter, Ellie Hudson Hill of Salisbury, MD; mother, Patsy J. Voelker of Battle Creek; two brothers, Lenny Dyer and John Dyer both of Battle Creek; three nephews, Justin Dyer, Dennis Laymon, Foster (Shae) Turner; and a niece, Heather (Bryan) Rauch. Thomas was preceded in death by father, Phillip H. Voelker; maternal grandmother, Odessa Orphan; and paternal grandparents, Harold and Viola Voelker.

Thomas played in golf leagues, bowling leagues, and softball leagues for decades and was also a very avid fisherman, during the summer and on the ice in the winter. Thomas was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. To know Thomas was to love him and he will forever be missed. He was a quiet, kind hearted schmoozer and could easily win people over. He loved animals, children and his friends were always thought of as family. He will be remembered as a hardworking, good, honest, dependable man.

With limitations in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors being bestowed by Fort Custer Honor Guard and the United States Navy Honor Guard. There will be a memorial gathering for family and friends at the Brandimore residence after the service Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please contact the family for directions.

Memorial contributions in memory of Thomas may be made to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.