Thomas Robert Urban went to be with Our Lord May 25, 2016 at age 89. He spent his last days at home overlooking the backyard of trees and watching the birds that he loved.
He enjoyed deer hunting and was an expert rifleman and yet somehow he never shot a deer? His real joy was in walking through the rustling leaves or sitting still by a tree with a squirrel running over his shoulders.
Tom was a proud American and served his country as a Sergeant with honor during WWII. He was on an army troop ship bound for; he knew not where when the war ended. He always said he was one of the lucky ones. He then went to North Africa and served as part of the Army Air Force (AAF) Air Transport Command.
His career in time equipment took him to IBM, Simplex and Ford Motor Co. In 1980 he and his family moved to the Traverse City area where he operated his own TRU Time Equipment Co until his retirement.
In recent years, with declining hearing, he was still able to enjoy the Beach Bums and the Detroit Tigers.
He was born in Detroit, on February 7, 1927 to the late Thomas Wendell Joseph and Judy (Sturman) Urban.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy ("Dot" Paulson) and his proudest accomplishments, his children; Keith (Wanda) of Amity, OR, Thomas (Terri) of Grand Blanc, Beth (Mike) Purtell of Santa Rosa, CA, and Amy (Greg) Gembis of Traverse City. Also, grandchildren; Christopher (Mary), Stephen, Holden, Harlow and great grandchildren Thomas and Allyson.
He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City where a Service of Life will be celebrated on Monday June 20, 2016 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior.
For a more lasting memorial, the family would like you to consider the Grand Traverse County Department of Veterans Affairs; 2650 Lafrainer Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 in Thomas's honor.