THOMAS JR., Edward J., 78, of Woodhaven, April 12. 2021. Beloved husband of Blanche (Labadie) Thomas. Loving father of Melissa Coombs and the late David (Loriann) Tomasovitch. Dearest grandfather of Chloe Tomasovitch, Benjamin Tomasovitch, Ethan Coombs and Emma Coombs. He is also survived by his siblings, Carolyn LaBeau, Timothy (Bettie) Thomas and Thomas (Debbie) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Gloria Thomas.A devout Christian, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ed, Butch or “Fast Eddie” was known for having a heart bigger than life and helping others no matter if he knew you or not. Ed lived life to the fullest enjoying the simplest of pleasures so long as it included being with his family and friends, biking, golfing and black licorice. He had an infectious personality filled with humor and above all integrity and concern for others. His trademark gesture was to make his famous homemade soup for anyone in need, sick or not, it was his way to show how much he cared. His generosity and love for others cannot be put into words, he was simply a man who always thought of others before himself. He will be deeply missed by all. Should you wish to honor Ed please consider providing an unexpected or unsolicited act of kindness for an unsuspecting or unfortunate soul in his name.Family and friends will be invited to attend a memorial and celebration of Ed’s life on a later date.Arrangements made at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home (next to Michigan Memorial Park) 30895 Huron River Dr., Huron Twp., (734) 783-2646. His cremation will take place at “The Witness Crematory” located inside of Michigan Memorial Funeral Home.
Condolences
My father told me as a young man that in life if a person could count on his one hand how many BEST FRIENDS they have... he said they would have four fingers left over. Ed was that Best Friend and Brother!
Ed had his priorities in order: God, Blanche, Missy, David, Lori, Chloe, Ben, his sister, brothers and countless friends who loved him dearly.
Never have I enjoyed a friendship like the mutual one that Ed and I had. Too often he would tell Blanche that he and I were going out for breakfast and lunch..."I won't be long!" Blanche's reply: "See you for dinner!"
When you spent time with Ed, the hours pasted by so quickly because he was a pleasure to spend time with.
Remember the Dr. Seuss Book, "The Cat in the Hat"? Ed wore many hats, not literally, but he was hungry to learn and help anyone in need and I had the pleasure to be his pardoner on many as he switched hats.
* Devoted Christian involved in Evangelism Explosion, Elder and even was volunteered to join a team of fellow FIrst Pres. members to share the Gospel in one of seven senior
residences.
*He was a very dependable taxi driver no matter what time day, or night. He was there and wouldn't take a dime.
*A great painter...One time after he was released from the hospital with a minor heart condition he showed up at my house that I was painting. There was a knock on the door that I opened and there stood my bud. I asked him what he was doing. "You aren't supposed to be out", I told him. He said that he just wanted to keep me company. Short story long, he convinced me that it was OK to do a little trim work. Then as I was rolling the ceiling, he took away the extended pole roller and begin to show me how to paint THE WHOLE CEILING! When he finished, I asked him how he was going to explain all of the paint that covered his face, hair and clothing. I never did find out what Blanche said to him.
*Ed and I exchanged Birthday gifts. He didn't just get a meanings gift card, he wanted something that would be special. The best one was two years ago. He gave me a copy of "Jesus Calling". He told me to open the cover. Inside he had attached a picture of he and I together at George's Restaurant. He also wrote the following: ...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverb 18:24 Ron, you are that friend!
*We became brothers at that very moment. Over twenty years ago he and Ed Taskoff led me to the Lord. What better friend can you have than that.
I am happy that Ed is in Heaven with David and all those who loved him and entered the gates of Heaven before him, but I was hoping that the Lord wasn't done with the ministry that he carried out on earth. There is a hole in my heart that in only filled with Jesus1
I love you dear friend and I cherish all of the time we spent together and the memories we created together. A gift from God!
Love, Ron and Nita Welsh Ron Welsh
I met Ed as a member of the Michigan Woodworkers Guild. He was a wonderful member, volunteering for the tough jobs and regularly supporting our meetings with demonstrations of his skills. And he always took full part in the fellowship which is so important to our Guild. His demonstrations and presence was always entertaining and informative, Ed added much to the fabric of all our lives. We will miss Ed greatly.
Dale Dale Ausherman
Our thoughts and Prayers continue for you Blanche,Missy and Family - Ed was a friend to so many of us and He will be greatly missed but praise God He is in a better place in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. Ed`s since of humor and input in our men`s BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) was always so appropriate and timely and with a christian prospective. I remember Ed being a co-leader of the Evangelism Explosion at FPC in the 1980`s and how respected he was for that undertaking. Our son David remembers how Ed and Bill Richardson used to do skits for the boys brigade and how hard they would make everyone laugh. WE ALL MISS YOU ED - SEE YOU IN HEAVEN SOME DAY!!! Jerald and Lois Vanderkooi Jerald Vanderkooi
I considered Ed to be a very special friend. We became close thru the Wy Boy's luncheons and also that he knew my elderly sister quite well from the church they both attended. Ed showed his kindness by offering his help to her after her husband passed. Ed even brought one of his famous pots of soup to my sister's house after the funeral. When my wife recently was in MI caring for her mother in Brownstown, Ed frequently called me in Florida to see how things were going and offering assistance if needed. Ed always thought of others. I will always remember and cherish the fun times we had together, his bright smile and great sense of humor. Abraham Contino
Ed use to come over to my home frequently and I would go to his and we wood do a lot of woodworking together. He was very good and had a great smile to put you at ease. We would ride together to the Guild meetings and talk about our projects. Blanch was and is a very loving wife. He loved her very much. We will all miss him. Clay Bolduc Clayton Bolduc
I will remember Ed when he stepped up to be membership director of the Michigan Woodworkers Guild, he put his all into the difficult job. I spoke with him many times and he was a gentle and kind soul. Having the same first name at the meetings someone would say Ed and we would both respond. I see that Ed was born August 16, 1942 and I was born October 17, 1942, maybe being woodworkers we were destined to meet. We will all miss you, you were taken way to soon. Ed Stuckey
Ed, was a long time member of the guild. When the Board asked for help, Ed didn't hesitate. He volunteered to run membership, which is a difficult job. His computer skills made it difficult for him, but he did a great job. He also volunteered to help with presentations for the guild . Rest in peace Ed, we will all miss you. Bill Rigstad- Michigan Woodworkers Guild
ED IM MISSING YOU SO MUCH I’M MISSING MY GOOD AND PLENTYS TOO. GOING TO MISS YOUR COMPANY AND ALL YOUR JOKES YOU SURELY NEW HOW TO MAKE ME LAUGH. HOPE YOU AND TY GET TO PLAY SOME GOLF. LOVE YOUR OLDER SISTER CAROLYN CAROL LABEAU
Ed came into my life as a student of wood working' I in my first new cabinet shop, Ed looking to build a desk of Hickory. In the time that pursued our bond strengthened. I like to think of my friend Ed as the PRINDL sales man, who embellished my life with his humor and honest good wit, as a man who lived his faith. I hope to see Ed on the other side and place my order for a PRINDL. Jerry Hill
Ed was one of a kind. Our friendship goes back over 40 years, growing stronger through time. It was hard to know him and not love him. He had an enormous heart that knew no bounds. If you were cutting a limb in your yard he would say “I will be right by to give you a hand. I have a tool...”
We can almost envision him in the presence of our Savior asking “is there were any repairs to be made or ramps to be built... he is ready”
His sense of wit was infectious and a legacy to all who knew him. We were proud to be called his friends. Gary and Karen Ogden
I have known Ed for many years as a member of the Michigan Woodworkers Guild, for which I am the President. Ed was a kind and gentle soul, a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and he did much to support the Guild. Our members will miss him, and we send our sympathies to his family. Jerry Romito
Ed was a person that always had a smile and hello for everyone. Mike got to know him through the trustee and facility committees at church. Mike became Ed's frequent email pal. My best story of Ed has to do with my girlfriend, Kathy. Kathy was caring for her elderly mother who was bedridden. She was pretty much living at her mom's house during this time. Kathy found out that she had breast cancer and did not know how she would do everything. Care for her mom, get chemo treatments, prepare meals etc. She hired some aides (and rallied her friends) and I sent a prayer request to the church for prayer. Ed was one of those that answered that call. Ed brought over soup to Mike and I to give as a gift to Kathy!! He provided Kathy and her mom and her "angel aides" more than one meal. Kathy just loved it. She couldn't believe that a man she did not know would do that. She named Ed the "soup angel". On Kathy's request we got the recipe from Ed and Kathy makes that soup quite often. Kathy's mom has since passed on. I like to think that Kathy's mom has since spoke to Ed and told him how much that soup was appreciated and how he shared the love of Christ with such a simple act. He will be missed. Kim and Mike Kopchick
Ed Thomas was a man with a quick wit, always having a joke available. He also was a fine Christian brother who shared his faith with all. Ed enjoyed walking, biking and golf with his friends. You would have a hard time finding a better family man. Ed often invited friends and acquaintances to family parties. He shared his time with many by helping people with their various needs. Often Ed could be found at the church working on Session, in committees or doing such things as carpentry, plumbing, lawn care work, and painting. Ed made many trips to the hospital to bring a note of cheer to a patient. Sometimes a person might say to himself I should go visit a person in need, only to find Ed already there.
Ed was deeply loved by many and respected by all. I will miss Ed, a man I admired and loved. Gary Siemers
The sadness of losing my dear uncle Butch is only tempered by the knowledge that he is in paradise now. He has been a positive and uplifting influence in my life since my earliest memories and will be sorely missed. His sense of humor and love for his family will be how i always remember this good Christian man. Michael Labeau
I was one of the lucky recipients of Ed's homemade soup. And it was so good! He just showed up at my door. On another occasion he came to the hospital ER when my mom was there and made sure I knew exactly where his house was if we ever needed anything. He is one of the sweetest men I know and I look forward to seeing him again! Julie McKenzie
As a member of the Wy Boys luncheon group, I have to say what a pleasure it was to be with Ed at the monthly luncheons we've been attending since 2007.
As you all know Ed was always the bright spot at every luncheon and with his quick wit, he filled the room with laughter. Reminiscing about the escapades of our years in High school also brought out the culprits of many pranks.
We will miss Ed deeply and will never forget the friendship we all rekindled during those monthly get-togethers. Rest in peace Ed and say hello to our other classmates.
Al Al Starzec
Ed:
We were buds beginning in 1969 at American Motors where we worked together. On occasion, when needed, we also prayed together. (Yes, at work)! We worked hard and we prayed hard!
I see you were nick named Butch. I also was a Butch until I entered my teens. We had more in common than I knew over the years.
I miss you Ed. Glad we had our last breakfast one month ago. Now memories will have to suffice!
I know you have already said hello to David, Emma Lou and many others. Especially to Jesus!
I’m praying for your sweet Blanch and family, who you heartily spoke of often!
Bye for now my friend!
Rodger Rodger Matthews
Ed, you were a good friend to my parents, then to my family over 50 years. I will miss your sense of humor, encouragement, smile & generosity toward our ministry in France & among those affected by disability. Say hi to my parents & many friends from First Pres. of Trenton. Alfonso Feria & family
Uncle butch thanks for all the good times and wonderful memories! I miss you already! I cant wait to see you guys again! Love shell Michele Labeau
Uncle butch thanks for all the good times and wonderful memories! I miss you already! I cant wait to see you guys again! Love shell Michele Labeau
Ed was more than a friend. He was more than a brother. He was a confidant. I knew Ed for over 50 years. We bicycled thousands of miles together. It was a joke a mile. He kept everyone laughing and having fun. The last couple of years he started taking up golf and I was his instructor. He was so happy and proud of his new golf bag he got from Blanche for Christmas. Sorry he never got a chance to use it. Ed would give the shirt off his back if someone needed or wanted it. In fact he did it once to one of the boys who we took across the state and back on a bicycle trip. The boy admired Ed's tee shirt and when the trip ended Ed gave him the shirt. I'll miss you dear friend and hope to see you on a bicycle trip in heaven some day. Bill Richardson
Words will never be able to express the love and loss in my heart over this most incredible man I was blessed to call “Dad.” For those who knew him know the amount of amazing he was...
Our lives were devastated when we lost David just 8 months ago and now so even more. I will never understand why such things happen to such good people.
My dad was the most loving, giving and humorous people you ever want to encounter and wish to have in your life. I could write a book and am thankful to have so many wonderful memories of a man who made the world a better place. Dad, I keep picturing you with a black olive on your tooth smiling and asking “is there something on my tooth?”
I love you and miss you so much already ... there is a hole bigger than life in my heart. Please give Dave our love and remember how much we love you!!!! Melissa Coombs
SEND FLOWERS
