Darwin Lee Thomas

Darwin Lee Thomas Lansing Passed away February 27, 2012 at the age of 73. He was born in Lansing August 5, 1938 the son of Phillip and Velva (Silvernail) Thomas. Darwin married Sheila Avery January 28, 1961. He worked for GM as an engine designer. Darwin retired after 35 years of service with the company. He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and watching sports of any kind. In his early years, he took his family to their cottage in Lake City where they enjoyed winter sports such as snowmobiling. In the summer months they would travel to their cottage at Crooked Lake. It was in Darwin's later years that he yearned for the warm weather. As soon as the first snow flake fell he and his wife traveled to their winter home on South Padre Island. Darwin was also a member of the Capital City Corvette Club. Darwin is survived by his wife, Sheila of Lansing; daughter, Nicole Lynne (Brian) Vandermoere of Grand Ledge; their children, Chandler and Madison; son, Anthony Blair (Tesha) Thomas of Clinton Twp.; their daughter, Elise; mother-in-law, Lucille Avery of Holt; sister-in-law, Teresa Whitbread; nephews, Brett Whitbread of Clinton Twp, Curt Bard of Greenville; niece, Cheryl Day of CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Thomas; sister, Phyllis Bard. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday March 2, 2012 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI with Pastor Mark Payne officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care Facility, 2675 S. Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813. Those desiring may send online condolences to www.shellyodell.com