Scott Phillip Thoma, 72, of Benzonia, MI (formerly of Monroe) passed away on August 12, 2019 at the Medilodge of Grand Traverse County after a short battle with a very rare form of lung cancer.
Scott was born in Muskegon on September 17, 1946 to Howard Victor and Ellen Jean (Hoekenga) Thoma. He graduated from Monroe High School in June of 1964. On November 24, 1965 he married the love of his life, Diane Hopson.
Scott honorably served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chicago from 1964 to 1967 and was a very proud Vietnam Veteran.
Scott worked at Holnam (formerly Dundee Cement) for 35 years from which he retired in 2002. In his free time Scott was an avid gun collector and historian. He belonged to the VFW, the VVA and the Monroe Rifle and Pistol Club where he was president for many years. He also belonged to the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe for many years where he served as a deacon.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ellen, and 2 brothers Timothy Thoma and Rick Thoma. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Diane; a sister, Sue (Thoma) Larkins of Monroe, MI; 3 daughters, Tamara Thoma of Ann Arbor, MI, Kimberly (Thoma) Randall of Rochester, MI, and Angela (Thoma) Zimmerman of Arcadia, MI; 4 grandchildren , Christopher, Jessica, Michaelyn, and Tyler; and 4 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Benjamin, Ellie and Zoey.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on Wednesday, August 28th at 2pm at the Monroe Rifle and Pistol Club located at 1220 Yensch Road, Dundee, MI. Because Scott despised dressing up, CASUAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED for the service. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Scott's name. Visit woundedwarriorproject.org for more information.
Condolences and memories may be shared at his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
Local arrangements provided by Bacarella Funeral Home.