Obituary for Thomas William Gaylord
Thomas William Gaylord,73, of Albion, Michigan passed away on April 4, 2023, from complications following a surgery. He was born on July 14, 1949 in East Lansing, Michigan to the late William and Doris (Chapin) Gaylord. His family resided in Grand Rapids, Marquette, and eventually Ludington, Michigan. Tom graduated from Ludington High School in 1967 and from Central Michigan University in 1971 with a degree in chemistry. It was there that he was given the nickname, Spider, and met the love of his life, Valerie Krause.
Tom married Val on November 6, 1971. They were married for 43 years. They moved to Battle Creek, Michigan so Tom could start a new job as a chemist at Kellogg’s. Within four years, they welcomed their children: Matthew, Meridith, and Denise. He worked for Kellogg’s for 28 years. Upon retiring, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked as a systems analyst for 10 years before retiring again. Tom and Val moved back to Michigan, where they bought a home on Prairie Lake. While living in Albion, they attended St. John Parish, where Tom was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Tom loved spending time with Val, his children, and their families. The title he loved most in life was Grandpa Tommy. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions fan. He enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, and fishing. Big Daddy never met a stranger and cracked a joke at every opportunity. At home, he enjoyed reading, cooking, and hanging out with his dog, Snickers.
Tom is survived by his children: Matt (Melissa) Gaylord of Strongsville, Ohio; Meri (Beni) Shabani of Battle Creek; and Denise Boland of Osceola, Indiana. Grandchildren: Kennedy, Cassidy (Carston), Arion, Emira, William, Mia, Elisa, and Tatum. Great grandson: Hayden. Brother: Larry (Lynne) Gaylord of Ludington. He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie, in 2015; his parents, and his beloved son-in-law Jamie Boland.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 11 am at Baxter Funeral Services: 375 W.Dickman Rd, Battle Creek. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 7 from 4-7 pm and one hour before the funeral at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the funeral. Interment will be held privately on Monday, April 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 5255, Attn:Father Olk, PO Box 181, Albion,MI 49224.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
Tom married Val on November 6, 1971. They were married for 43 years. They moved to Battle Creek, Michigan so Tom could start a new job as a chemist at Kellogg’s. Within four years, they welcomed their children: Matthew, Meridith, and Denise. He worked for Kellogg’s for 28 years. Upon retiring, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked as a systems analyst for 10 years before retiring again. Tom and Val moved back to Michigan, where they bought a home on Prairie Lake. While living in Albion, they attended St. John Parish, where Tom was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Tom loved spending time with Val, his children, and their families. The title he loved most in life was Grandpa Tommy. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions fan. He enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, and fishing. Big Daddy never met a stranger and cracked a joke at every opportunity. At home, he enjoyed reading, cooking, and hanging out with his dog, Snickers.
Tom is survived by his children: Matt (Melissa) Gaylord of Strongsville, Ohio; Meri (Beni) Shabani of Battle Creek; and Denise Boland of Osceola, Indiana. Grandchildren: Kennedy, Cassidy (Carston), Arion, Emira, William, Mia, Elisa, and Tatum. Great grandson: Hayden. Brother: Larry (Lynne) Gaylord of Ludington. He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie, in 2015; his parents, and his beloved son-in-law Jamie Boland.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 11 am at Baxter Funeral Services: 375 W.Dickman Rd, Battle Creek. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 7 from 4-7 pm and one hour before the funeral at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the funeral. Interment will be held privately on Monday, April 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 5255, Attn:Father Olk, PO Box 181, Albion,MI 49224.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com