Thomas George Haywood, 96, a true American Hero, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024 at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center. He was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior and his beloved wife Betty who preceded him in death in 2022.

Tom was born in Traverse City to the Ervin and Thelma E. (Skiver) Haywood. Raised primarily by his grandparents, Tom grew up alongside his brother Eli. He attended Traverse City Schools and enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Corporal in the Military Police in Paris, France during World War II. He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in March of 1947.

On a snowy day in February 1949, Tom married the love of his life, the former Betty Jane Lautner. Together they shared 73 wonderful years, raised a beautiful family and enjoyed all that Long Lake community had to offer. They were devoted members of Long Lake Friends Church for over sixty years. Tom was active at Church serving as Monthly Meeting Clerk and at countless dinners, vacation bible school sessions, fundraisers and building projects including the current bell tower.

After returning from military service Tom worked in the dairy at the Traverse City State Hospital. Later he co-owned and operated Long Lake Gravel Service, an excavating company; worked at Cone Drive for twenty years, and then retired from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. He was the Roads and Trails foreman serving as a major contributor to Pierce Stocking Drive.

His wood working talents, as well as being a gifted stone mason, Tom built beautiful split stone fireplaces and many homes that still dot the Grand Traverse region.

In his earlier years, Tom enjoyed playing baseball on the Long Lake township team. He was a "serious" left handed pitcher. He took the opportunity to serve on the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Grange activities, was a member of the local school board and participated in countless other events like school carnivals, fundraisers, sledding parties and square dance club.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, beloved grandparents and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Surviving are daughters Deborah Nixon and Roberta Haywood; granddaughter Heather (Brian) Bahlau; great grandsons Brody and Caleb; brother Eli; brother-in-law Charles Lautner and many nieces and nephews. His greatest happiness was to be called Grandpa or G-Pa.

Tom's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10 am at Long Lake Friends Church. A visitation will take place Friday evening, February 2, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to the Long Lake Fire Department or Hospice of Michigan.

The family offers a grateful "Thank You" to the staff at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center who gave much more than "care" to Tom. Also, thanks to Pat Henigan who cared for and loved Tom as a father.