As a teenager Thomas began working for the railroad in Pennsylvania. At the age of 17 he received his parents consent to enlist in the US Navy. He served as a Seaman First Class on the USS Crown earning a WWII Victory Medal for his wartime service before being discharged in 1947. Following his enlistment Thomas found his way to Michigan and worked for various companies within the Automotive industry, most notably as an assembler with Ford Motor Company.
Thomas' true joy and passion in his life was his family. He was the loving husband of the late Ruth with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Cherished father of Christine (Tom) Truesdale, Alice (Tim) Kolbasa, Thom Jr. (Nicole), Clarence (Hedwig) and Brenda (Duncan) Puckett. Beloved grandfather of 9 and great-grandfather of many.
The Doughtery family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday May 4, 2014 from 3-9 pm at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd. (east of Newburgh and I-275) in Livonia. His life will be celebrated with a Funeral Service on Monday May 5, 2014 at 11 am, with a final viewing at 10:30 am at Faith Bible Church, 34541 Five Mile Rd.(west of Farmington Rd.) in Livonia.
Thomas will be laid to rest next to Ruth at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West in Westland, Michigan.
For those who wish to make a donation in Thomas' memory the family suggests donations to Faith Bible Church or the Detroit VA Hospital.
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