Date of Death: October 7, 2019

Service Details

Tom’s life centered around his family and Corey Lake.  His life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, October 12th at 3 p.m at the Elks Club 603 W. Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093. 

Obituary Notice

Thomas Owen Wilson, age 85, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully at his home on Corey Lake surrounded by his family on Monday, October 7, 2019.  He was born in Chicago, IL on June 24, 1934, to Irving and Della Wilson of Chicago, IL.

He married Joyce Helmholz on June 16, 1956 and had two boys Thomas William and Gregg Donald.

Nothing surpassed his love and appreciation for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be loved and missed by his 5 grandchildren, Adrienne Wilson, Grant Wilson, William Wilson, Nicole Wilson, and Sarah Blosser, along with 4 great-grandchildren, Owen, Megan, Sadie, and Reid.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Irving Wilson.

For many years, Tom ran the family trucking business, Wilson Delivery Service of Chicago, IL.  In 1979, the family moved to Corey Lake where he worked at General Motors. He retired from General Motors to start the family painting business, Thomas O. Wilson & Sons Painting, now called Wilson Family Painting which is headed by his grandson, Grant Wilson.  Tom, his sons, and grandsons painted many homes around Corey Lake.

Tom also enjoyed working and helping in his community.  He served on the Fabius Township Planning Commission for many years as well as the Glen Oaks Rose Society where he won Best of Show.  You could always see him busying himself around the house and neighborhood working on projects, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Two of the activities Tom enjoyed most with his family were golfing and fishing.  On December 5, 2004, at St. Joe Valley Golf Course, Tom hit a hole in one on the 17th hole. Tom’s foursome also won the Corey Lake Open Golf Tournament.  He also passed on his love for fishing to his family. Whether he was taking the pontoon boat out in the summer or dragging out the ice shanty in winter, he never missed an opportunity to fish.  Tom played in the Three Rivers Recreational Adult Tennis league where he won first place in 1991.

Additional Information

 In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Camp Eberhart or Camp Wakeshma. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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8 Comments

  1. My Uncle Tom has always had a very special place in my heart. Each and every time we spoke I felt his strength, love and compassion. Not only do I fondly remember my own memories, but my parents Beldon & Phyllis spoke of Uncle Tom with pure Love and held in the most high regard. I know that this is just a very temporary separation as we will see you again soon according to Gods plan. May the Wilson family stay strong and know we love you!

  2. I am so sorry to hear this, Joyce. My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope to be able to come to the service, but we have another funeral that day. I. Will try, if the time works out. I’m sure your family will miss him so much, and I hope that the knowledge that many others are thinking of you is some small comfort. Sally Boeschenstein.

    • Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Thinking of Tom brings back many memories, our teen years in our MYF at Emmaus Methodist Church in Chicago. Our vacations with our children, and yes fishing. Joyce, I remember you reeling in that Daredevil lure so fast. The many Halloween parties and New Years before and after we had our children. What wonderful memories. Tom was a sweet guy, so gentle, he will be missed. Hope it helps to know that he has started “his New Life with Christ” where we will meet again. Thanks for the memories Joyce. You were such a nice couple. Love your Golden friends, Carol and Ken Michaels.

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