Thomas C. Garner

Thomas C. Garner, 81 of Bellaire, passed away March 18, 2022, at his home.  Tom was born April 23, 1940, in Detroit, to parents Eugene and Dorothy (Frede) Garner. 

Tom attended Detroit Country Day High School and then Eastern Michigan University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting.  He was a CPA and financial adviser who had his own practice in Dearborn, before moving to Shanty Creek in 2003, where he continued working for several years before retiring.  In his younger years Tom enjoyed fishing and golfing, but after moving to Bellaire he loved working on “his” yard-riding “his” tractor.  Tom was also an avid Michigan football fan. 

On November 25, 1983, Tom married Sheila M. Saunders who survives.  The two were fortunate to have jobs that allowed travel to several places, and to meet and make friends with people from all over the world.  They had two motor homes recently and were able to spend time in Florida during the winter months. 

Tom was a member of several Masonic bodies, beginning with the Hazel Park, Central Lake, and Bellaire lodges, as well as being a board member of the Pathways Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan.  They were all very important to him.  He served as the President of the Shanty Creek Summit Village Association as well. 

Tom was a lifelong Episcopalian.  He served as a vestry member and on committees in the Diocese of Michigan.  Currently Tom and Sheila are members of Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix. 

Surviving Tom are his wife Sheila of over 38 years, his children William (Brenda) Garner, Mark (Bibiana) Garner, Richard (Bobbi) Garner, Jennifer (Robert) Goodfellow, Susan Johnstone, and Kathy (Steve) Johnstone-Cecere, grandchildren Andy (Chelsea) Garner, Kellin Garner, Nate Garner, Carolynn Garner, Devin Garner, Jacob (Hunter) Rich, Cody Rich, Taylor Goodfellow, and Shawna (Mike Wilmot) Goodfellow, great-grandchildren Darren Garner, Melanie Garner, and Liam Rich, and sister Janet Porter.  

Funeral Services will take place Saturday April 2^nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix with Rev. Tom O’Dell officiating.  Visitation will take place Friday April 1^st from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, with a Masonic Service taking place at 7:00 p.m., also at the Funeral Home with Robert Scott and Dan Proudfoot officiating. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, 423 Porter St., Petoskey, MI 49770 or the Munson Healthcare Foundation (checks payable to Munson Hospice), 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com