Thomas Wade Stemple

Thomas Wade Stemple, 67, of Fairview, MI, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Munson Hospice House, Traverse City, Michigan.

Tom was born in Oakland, Maryland. His family moved to Comins, Michigan in 1960’s, where they owned and operated Pat’s IGA in Fairview. Tom graduated from Fairview High School in 1971 and married his high school sweetheart Billie on December 2, 1972. Tom lived in Fairview the rest of his life except for a tour of duty in the Air Force from 1972-1976 when he was stationed in Myrtle Beach, SC and Thailand during the Vietnam War where he loaded B-52 bombers. After his service Tom worked for 26 years at Hoskins Mfg. in Mio. He then attended MTec in Gaylord where he received many trade certificates followed by working at Lear Corp. in Roscommon until his retirement in 2015. Tom enjoyed fast pitch softball, golf, hunting and was a fan of all sports. He also loved to cook, tend his yard and flower gardens (Daylillies and Peonies were his favorite), and spend time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife Billie Jean (Howland) Stemple; children: Shana (Paul) Bolger and Justin (Kristel) Stemple; sisters: Connie Fish, Debbie (Jack) Kimble and Shelley (Jon) Welch; brothers: Daniel (Elaine) Stemple and John (Patricia) Stemple; grandchildren: Brittany, Steven, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Danielle, Carley, Abatu and Abraham and great grandchild Carson. He was preceded in death by his parents: Adrian & Patricia Stemple.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service at a later date.

Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio