Thomas H. VanHoose

Thomas H. VanHoose, age 88, of Farwell, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Tom was born the son of Herbert and Gladys (Border) VanHoose, in Mt. Pleasant on November 15, 1937. He was a 1955 graduate of Clare High School and then served in the US Navy from 1955-1958 as a Seabee, with Reserve Service after discharge. Tom married Jean Walworth on August 27, 1955 and together had three children. On February 28, 1977, he married Margaret Fabiano. First and foremost, Tom was a man of faith. He had been active in his church life until health and mobility issues limited his ability to serve. Most recently he and Margie attended the Clare United Methodist Church. His working career was in the Refrigeration Field with Dow Corning Corporation and for several years was president of the local United Steel Workers Union. Tom led a full life. He loved listening to music, especially jazz and the Allman Brothers. Early years found him playing drumset with the “Moonlighters”. During the fall season he enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of his established deer camp and the celebration of his “opening day” birthday. He prided himself on land stewardship and was awarded the Conservationist of the Year award by the Clare/Gladwin Soil Conservation District. Margie and Tom wintered in Las Vegas for 20+ years in their motorhome avoiding Michigan winter weather. He was a member of the Pettit-Kapplinger VFW Post in Clare and was an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers Fan. Tom was financially astute and a keen investor, always having a clear vision for the future. Tom & Margie lived on Hubbard Lake for 8 years in the ‘90’s, eventually moving back to Farwell and building a home on their 10 acre plot off of Surrey Road. Toward the end of his life you could find him reading his daily Detroit Free Press, completing a crossword puzzle, and reading one of his favorite fiction authors. Those left behind missing his earthly presence include his wife, Margie; his children, Scott (MaryEllen) VanHoose of Farwell, Kelly (John) Koch of Clare, and Mark (Margaret) VanHoose of Lake Ann; Grandchildren, Lindsey (Brad) Bauer, Walker (Holly) VanHoose, Evan (Sarah) VanHoose, and Kendell Koch; Great Grandchildren, Justice, Tessa, Kenzie, and Maezie; Siblings, Carolyn Cobb of Houghton Lake, Elaine Flood of Florida, Dale VanHoose of Weidman, and Joe Flood of Montana. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Herbert, his mother, Gladys Flood, and his siblings, Jerry Flood, Jean Graham, Grace Flood, and Jim Flood. Funeral Services for Tom will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Clare United Methodist Church with pastor Brian Comiskey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare. Friends may visit with his family at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 until 8 PM and at the Church on Wednesday from 10 until 11 AM. Memorials may be directed to the Clare United Methodist Church or Donations can be made to the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation at birthmark.org/donate. Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, P.O. Box 106, Latham, NY 12110. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Thomas H. VanHoose

November 15, 1937 - August 1, 2026