David Lee Thomas

David Lee Thomas
David L. Thomas, age 83, of Hope, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on March 7, 2026. He was born June 18, 1942, in Midland, Michigan, to Leonard and Edna (Bensch) Thomas.
Dave attended Midland High School, graduating in 1960, and continued his education at Delta College for three years.
He married Margaret Kerrigan on September 18, 1967, and they celebrated 37 years before parting ways. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennele Ault and Jonna Thomas.
Dave worked as a Journeyman Pipefitter at The Dow Chemical Company and later became the shared co-owner of Thomas Trading Post with his father. He truly believed in the saying, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." Through his business, he proudly became the largest Carhartt retailer in the state of Michigan and was a strong supporter of Midland 4-H, purchasing a large animal from a local youth each year.
Dave had a lifelong love of "toys"; trucks, boats, trailers, motorcycles, snowmobiles and four-wheelers but the real fun for him was the research beforehand, followed by a little wheelin' and dealin'. Family was always a priority for him. On weekends, you could find him at Wixom Lake surrounded by family, enjoying good food and catching up with everyone. He never missed a sporting event for his children or grandchildren, even after long workdays. Known for his loud, vibrant personality, he called everyone "buddy," gave out nicknames freely, and was famous for stirring the pot just to sit back and watch the laughter unfold. With a coffee cup in hand, a toothpick in his mouth and a story to tell, he brought laughter, conversation, and energy where ever he went, leaving behind countless memories for the family, friends, and "buddies" who will miss him deeply.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennele Ault and Jonna Thomas; his sister, Pam Kastl and her husband Pat; grandchildren Kortnea Bloomfield, Kenady (Nate Wannemacher), and Karsyn Sasse (Derick Cassiday); great-grandsons Odyn Slocum and Sedar Gradeless; nephews Cory (Melissa) and Garrett Kastl and niece Mackenzie Kastl and grand-niece Grace Kastl.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Sweebe and her husband Ned; and his son-in-law, Ronald Ault.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, with burial at New Hope Cemetery. Dave's family will receive friends at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland, on Thursday, March 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) or to a charity of the donor's choice.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Thomas family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.