Orville Ronald Thomas, 82, of Traverse City passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Orville was born on November 29, 1935 in Monroe Center, Michigan, son of Pete & Ellen Thomas. He attended high school in Kingsley where he was a standout basketball player. He served his country in the United States Navy and returned to the Traverse City area after his enlistment Orville married Reva Tooley on June 26, 1971 in Three Rivers, Mi. He worked for the local Coca Cola for over 45 years, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed attending the Buckley Old Engine Show and Friday night stock car races. He spent time working on his friend Donna's farm, helping build things and tinkering. He and Reva were on a bowling league for many years and was an avid reader, enjoyed camping, word searches, and watching the Detroit Tigers.

Orville is survived by his children Mark (Christine) Thomas, Christine (Tom) Baldwin, Julie (Mark) Jarema, Sarah Goodrich, Sherrie (John) Kik, CaSandra (Gary) Aisthorpe, Steve (Kerry) McPherson, several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Bruce (Jackie) Thomas, sister-in-law Bobbie Thomas. Sister Ann McHuron, and Jane Thomas, mother of Mark, Chris, Julie & Sarah.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete & Ellen, wife Reva, brothers Arthur, Oscar, Raymond, Harold, Delbert, sisters Mary and Velma Cook, and two great grandchildren Ryan & Sharon-Ann Kik.

In accordance with Orville's wishes, cremation has taken place. A gravesite committal service will be on May 12, 2018 at Barnum Memorial Cemetery in Mayfield at 1pm. Following the committal service there will be a luncheon at the VFW Cherryland Post on 3400 Veterans Drive in Traverse City.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy may consider a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, Mi. 49686, or your local humane society.