Obituaries

TERRY ALLEN THOMAS

Feb. 28, 1939 – Jan. 28, 2024

Terry Allen Thomas, 84, of Alpena passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at his home.

Terry was born Feb. 28, 1939, in Alpena to the late Howard and Arlene (Merritt) Thomas. He served with honor both active and reserve in the United States Navy. He graduated from Alpena High School, Alpena Community College, received a Bachelor's from Northern Michigan University, and a Master's degree from Michigan State University.

On Aug. 25, 1962, he married Barbara Bingham his high school sweetheart. Terry taught at Alpena Public Schools, retiring in 1990. As recent as days before his passing, a former student approached him and said he was his favorite teacher in high school. This was a frequent occurrence throughout his retirement years. Terry taught and coached Alpena High School girls' basketball and was elected into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame in recognition for his coaching service. Terry's time spent coaching athletes was one of his fondest memories and proudest contributions to the Alpena community. Terry loved watching his grandchildren participating in sports and could often be seen attending many local sports events long after his grandchildren no longer played local sports.

Terry was first and foremost a family man. Nothing brought him greater joy than to be surrounded by his family and lifelong friends. Many of Terry's friends gathered each year for a fishing trip in June that started in 1947 and continued to this day. Terry continued the fishing tradition as recent as this past June 2023. Of course, time spent at his hunting camp with many of these lifelong friends was another great source of enjoyment.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Catherine (Thomas) Hendricks, Carolyn (Glen) Daoust; five grandchildren, Allysha Losinski, Spencer Losinski, Jesse (Kaylee) Hendricks, Ryan (Alli Rouleau) Hendricks, Ashley (Joe) Hutek; two great-grandsons, Lucus and Hayden; siblings, Marilyn Lumbert, JoAnn (Jon) Biddluph, Jeff (Donna) Thomas, Michael (Polencia) Thomas, Howard (Jody) Thomas; numerous nieces and nephews; and special nieces, Jodi and Carrie.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Thomas and brother-in-law, Larry Lumbert.

Memorial visitation will take place Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Alpena from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Shipman officiating. Military honors will be accorded him by Alpena VFW Post 2496. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

In honor of Terry's passion for MSU, please wear green and white to his celebration.

Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials: Alpena Public School Athletic Department or Alpena Boys and Girls Club