Robert D. "Bob" Thomson

Robert D. "Bob" Thomson Battle Creek Robert D. "Bob" Thomson, 81, died Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the home of his daughter in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born August 18, 1927 in Albion, Michigan the son of Wayne L. and Agnes (Caldwell) Thomson. The family moved to Battle Creek, a city near and dear to his heart, in 1935. Upon completing the 11th grade at Battle Creek Central High School, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in June, 1945. Bob received a GED diploma from Battle Creek Central High School in 1946 while serving on active duty. He was released from active duty with Honorable Discharge in August 1946. Bob furthered his education and received an Associate General Studies Degree 1949 from Jackson Junior College. He was employed by Kellogg Company as an hourly plant worker in June, 1949 and later that year, transferred to salaried position as Tour Guide. Bob was recalled to active duty in the USMC Reserve in October, 1950. He returned to the Kellogg Company as Quality Control Technician following his release from active duty in January, 1952. During Bob's 38 year career at the Kellogg Company, his assignments included Milling Division Inspector, Head Quality Control Inspector, Employee Relations Representative, Administrative Assistant to Vice President of Industrial Relations, Manager of Safety and Security, and 13 years as Plant Personnel Manager. Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marian Ruth (Nicholson). He is also survived by daughter, Sue Ann (Stephen) Krzeski of Knoxville, TN; son, Robert Steven Thomson of Cleveland, OH; two grandchildren, Shannon and Nicholas Krzeski; a sister, Dorothy (Edwin) Steinman of LaGrange, IL; a sister-in-law, Joy Herr and a brother-in-law, Albert McMillan. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joanne McMillan. Bob was elected as a Battle Creek City Commissioner in 1967 and re-elected to a second two-year term in 1969. He was appointed as one of two public members of the Battle Creek Police and Fire Fighters Retirement Board and served for 20 years, including two terms as Board President. Bob served 11 years on the Steering Committee for the Kellogg Employees Annual Christmas Party for handicapped children of Calhoun County, including four years as Chairman and several years as Master of Ceremonies. He was a strong supporter of the Battle Creek United Way for more than 45 years, including several years as the Kellogg Company Drive Chairman. He also served on the Kellogg Company United Way Steering Committee for many years since retirement in 1988 and has served many years with the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and continued to serve in retirement. Bob was a longtime member of the Chamber Ambassadors and the Ambassador Executive Committee. He is also a Past-President of the Kellogg Employees Twenty-Five Year Club and long term member of the Executive Committee and has served as Trustee and former Vice President of the Kellogg Retiree Association. Bob served for many years on the Board of the Battle Creek Child Guidance Center, including several terms as Secretary and Vice President. He was a Board Member of the Fine Lake Association for eight years and was active with ad hoc committees responsible for implementing sewer systems and the Lake Weed Control Program benefiting lake residents. Bob volunteered several years with his wife, Marian, at the Burnham Brook Senior Center. For his lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to others, Robert D. Thomson was named the 2004 recipient of the Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award from Jackson Community College. Most near and dear to his heart was his family, his many cherished friends, his Marine Corp service, fishing, and the Detroit Tigers. At the request of the family, friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Bob's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, Battle Creek, with Rev. Dr. Glenn R. Wegner officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In honor for his love for wife Marian, memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association or to the American Red Cross. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com