Thomas Kenneth Harke

Thomas Kenneth Harke (Thom) died too soon on May 28th, 2018 in Lansing, MI at the age of 69.When the U.S. Marine Corps said they were looking for a few good men, they couldn’t have found a better one than Thom. He was proud of his service to his country in Vietnam even though that service contributed to the many health problems that took him way too soon. Thom was a modern day “McGyver”. He could build and/or fix almost anything. He and his uncle, Johnny Cox, opened TJ’s Radiator in South Lansing. If you had a car problem, Thom was the man to see. Repair, replace or customize, he could do it all and always at a fair price. Many times fairer than he needed to be if he felt you were experiencing tough times. He could perform these tasks while still carrying on a lively conversation with the friends and customers who would stop by frequently just to talk. Thom so loved people and was gifted with such a quick wit that it was an easy place to lose 30 to 45 minutes. He was a true “Car Guy” and built some beautiful Hot Rods for sale and a sweet street Camaro with his son, Aaron. Thom enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his many friends both here in Michigan and his “cabin in the South” in the Villages of Florida. But his biggest joy was his family. Thom is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Pamela (Albertson); children, Aaron (Kristi) Harke, Kimberly (Shawn) Chappel; brother, Ronald (April); sister, Nancy Latimore; and 6 grandchildren, Catherine, Elizabeth, Samantha and Daniel Harke and Quinn and Callen Chappel. Thom was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, business man, marine, and really great friend. Most of all he was a hell of a good man. The world is a sadder place without him. A viewing is scheduled for Thursday May 31st from 5-8 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes in DeWitt. A second viewing, on Friday June 1st from 10-11 AM will be followed immediately by a memorial service at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.grdewit.com