Thomas I. Davis

Tom was born December 13, 1927 in Gladstone, the son of Shirley and Katherine (Mackin) Davis, one of the earliest families of Gladstone. His father moved to Gladstone from Trenary, MI, in the early 1910’s, building the family home in the 1200 block of Delta Avenue. His mother’s parents moved to Gladstone from Masonville, Mich., in 1888, building a house in the 900 block of Michigan Avenue.

Tom was raised in Gladstone and was a 1945 graduate of Gladstone High School. Upon graduating from high school, Tom joined the Army Air Corps at Selfridge Field, Michigan, serving with the 2nd Combat Airdrome Group in the Airfield Crash Fire Department. Upon discharge, he returned to Gladstone, working for a brief time at the Paper Mill and Baum’s Hardware in Escanaba, leaving in 1951 to begin a life-long career in finance and banking. He began work for Commercial Credit Corporation in offices in Green Bay, Beloit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, later managing the offices at Danville and Rockford, Ill. In 1958 he joined the operating staff at the First National Bank and Trust Company in Escanaba moving in 1963 to the First National Bank in Gladstone as loan officer, culminating as senior vice president and cashier. Tom retired from the First National Bank in 1987.

On July 11, 1964, Tom was united in marriage to Alice Dunsmore, at All Saints Church, and in 1967, they built a new house on Minneapolis Avenue and spent over 52 wonderful years together in Gladstone. Having known each other since childhood, Tom would frequently describe his marriage as “made in heaven” as he renewed their childhood friendship after Mass one day at All Saints Church. Tom and Alice were lifelong members of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Tom and Alice could always be seen together, whether around town, hunting, fishing, or just hiking in the woods at their camp on Day’s River. Alice always claimed, thanks to Tom, that their hikes always “ended in a swamp”. A long-time member of the Trail’s End Trap Club, Tom excelled winning the Club Championship two years in a row. He enjoyed playing golf on Wednesdays at the Gladstone Golf Club with a fun group, particularly the one captained by August Altese, even though Tom frequently claimed they cheated (not really). He and Alice built a fish shack together and fished together for many years on the ice of Little Bay de Noc. For many years he enjoyed deer hunting with friends at Ron Anderson’s camp. He was also an avid smear player in leagues at the American Legion, All Saints Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

Tom was an active member of the Gladstone City Planning Commission for 15 years, and later with the Housing Commission. Through his efforts together with the other members of the Housing Commission, the City built Bay Manor to accompany the Fairview Manor housing project at the east end of Gladstone.

Tom is survived by his nieces: Ann (Martin) Bakken of Holt, Mich., and Jean Davis of Gladstone; nephews: James (Camella) Davis of Las Vegas, Nev.; Thomas (Cindi) Davis of Gladstone, Mich.; and Michael (Teri) Davis of Denver, Colo. Also surviving are many additional great nieces and nephews and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Katherine (Mackin) Davis, and his brother: Edward Davis of Gladstone. His wife Alice preceded him in death on October 30, 2016.

The family thanks the staff of LakeView Assisted Living who not only provided him great care but also took a personal interest in Tom as a friend. The feeling was mutual, and he valued their friendship.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at 10 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be sent to All Saints Catholic Church, 715 Wisconsin Ave, P.O. Box 392, Gladstone, MI 49837. Interment will be at Fernwood Cemetery in the spring.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Davis family.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.