Thomas I. Davis, age 93, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at LakeView Assisted Living in Gladstone after a life-long career in banking and finance.
Tom was born December 13, 1927 in Gladstone, the son of Shirley and Katherine (Mackin) Davis, one of the earliest families of Gladstone. His father moved to Gladstone from Trenary, MI, in the early 1910’s, building the family home in the 1200 block of Delta Avenue. His mother’s parents moved to Gladstone from Masonville, MI, in 1888, building a house in the 900 block of Michigan Avenue.
Tom was raised in Gladstone and was a 1945 graduate of Gladstone High School. Upon graduating from high school, Tom joined the Army Air Corps at Selfridge Field, Michigan, serving with the 2nd Combat Airdrome Group in the Airfield Crash Fire Department. Upon discharge, he returned to Gladstone, working for a brief time at the Paper Mill and Baum’s Hardware in Escanaba, leaving in 1951 to begin a life-long career in finance and banking. He began work for Commercial Credit Corporation in offices in Green Bay, Beloit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, later managing the offices at Danville and Rockford, IL. In 1958 he joined the operating staff at the First National Bank and Trust Company in Escanaba moving in 1963 to the First National Bank in Gladstone as loan officer, culminating as Senior Vice President and cashier. Tom retired from the First National Bank in 1987.
On July 11, 1964, Tom was united in marriage to Alice Dunsmore, at All Saints Church, and in 1967, they built a new house on Minneapolis Avenue and spent over 52 wonderful years together in Gladstone. Having known each other since childhood, Tom would frequently describe his marriage as “made in heaven” as he renewed their childhood friendship after Mass one day at All Saints Church. Tom and Alice were lifelong members of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Tom and Alice could always be seen together, whether around town, hunting, fishing, or just hiking in the woods at their camp on Day’s River. Alice always claimed, thanks to Tom, that their hikes always “ended in a swamp”. A long-time member of the Trail’s End Trap Club, Tom excelled winning the Club Championship two years in a row. He enjoyed playing golf on Wednesdays at the Gladstone Golf Club with a fun group, particularly the one captained by August Altese, even though Tom frequently claimed they cheated (not really). He and Alice built a fish shack together and fished together for many years on the ice of Little Bay de Noc. For many years he enjoyed deer hunting with friends at Ron Anderson’s camp. He was also an avid smear player in leagues at the American Legion, All Saints Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.
Tom was an active member of the Gladstone City Planning Commission for 15 years, and later with the Housing Commission. Through his efforts together with the other members of the Housing Commission, the City built Bay Manor to accompany the Fairview Manor housing project at the east end of Gladstone.
Tom is survived by his nieces: Ann (Martin) Bakken of Holt, MI, and Jean Davis of Gladstone; nephews: James (Camella) Davis of Las Vegas, NV; Thomas (Cindi) Davis of Gladstone, MI; and Michael (Teri) Davis of Denver, CO. Also surviving are many additional great nieces and nephews and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Katherine (Mackin) Davis, and his brother: Edward Davis of Gladstone. His wife Alice preceded him in death on October 30, 2016.
The family thanks the staff of LakeView Assisted Living who not only provided him great care but also took a personal interest in Tom as a friend. The feeling was mutual, and he valued their friendship.
Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at 10:00 AM at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be sent to All Saints Catholic Church, 715 Wisconsin Ave, P.O. Box 392, Gladstone, MI 49837. Interment will be at Fernwood Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Davis family.
Jackie LaFond Mott - Orange Park, FL
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. In 2018 I was at Lakeview looking at the facility for my mom to move to. I saw Tom in the hall , handsome as ever and he remembered who I was. He invited me to his room and we started to chat.
We talked about how he stood up in my parents wedding, how saddened he was when my dad passed and now (at that time) my mom’s (Koko’s) medical condition.
Tom was a kind and caring man, the world has lost yet another great member of the Gladstone family.
He most likely is up there playing cards with the boys. Rest in Peace Tom.
Condolences to the Davis Family and friends.
Jackie
Jodi - Gladstone, MI
10th February 2021
My deepest condolences to Tom’s family. I work at Lakeview and had the pleasure of accompanying Tom to Doctor’s appointments, which would take us on the Data Bus. Tom would say, ” I wonder if we are going to get the tour of Gladstone today”. He was always a happy man, very kind. We will miss his smiling face at Lakeview. I am thankful for the time that I did get to know Tom.
Sincerely,
Jodi Tianen
Receptionist @ Lakeview Assisted Living and Memory Care
sue sedenquist - Gladstone, MI
Tom was a lifelong friend to my Uncle, Gene Timler. They had a wonderful group of friends that met up for weekly card games at Lakeview. Mr. Davis was always concerned about others and put them before himself. My Uncle was blessed to have him as a friend! All of our love and prayers to the Davis Family.
Bob Hansen - Hanover , NH
I met Tom at Lakeview, where my mother lives. Tom was always friendly; he had the kindest smile and voice. He and my mom had some good conversations over dinners. We will miss him.
Beverly a Corbiel - Clarkston, MI
Sorry to read of Tom’s passing. Tom and Gene and the other guys enjoyed their cards group. Gene and Tom always joked about seeing the big 90 well they both were blessed to reach that goal. He spoke fondly of his nephews. May he rest in peace with his beloved Alice.
Sincerely,
Gene’s sister, Bev
David Rood, Jr. - Escanaba, MI
I don’t remember the year, but that great agitator Auggie Altese agitated a golf match at Gladstone Golf Club. He billed it as a match to determine “The World’s Worst Golfer” and paired Tom Davis versus Dave Rood. I don’t remember if it was pre-planned or not, but on the day of the match Tom showed up with his nephew Tom Davis and Dave showed up with his son Dave Rood, Jr. (me). The foursome had an interesting round of golf (with continued commentary by Auggie) and spent considerable time at the 19th hole trying to determine who ‘won’. Did you win by getting the lowest score? or did you win by getting the highest score? I believe both sides claimed victory and everyone was happy. Fond memories.
Mary Jo Lawson - Battle Creek, MI
So sorry to hear about the passing of Tom Davis. He and Alice were such good friends of my mom and dad, Alice and Augie Altese. I picture them at the corner table of the golf course or the Friday fish fries, having a great time.