Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Thomas G. Roach, age 83, of Holton passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2014 at the Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont. Thomas was born on Aug. 17, 1931 in Fruitport to Thomas and Victorine Roach and later married Lola Fay Duke on Dec. 12, 1953 in Reno, Nev. She preceded him in death on Aug. 6, 1999. Thomas joined the United States Air Force around 1950 and served at various military bases throughout the United States and the world, including, Vietnam, Korea, Spain, Panama, Germany, Taiwan, Philippines, California, Alaska, North and South Dakota and Michigan. Thomas worked with the Survivable Low Frequency Communications System at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota and also with the automatic digital network switching center serving the Alaskan tributary terminals as part of the worldwide AUTODINE communications system. Thomas retired from the Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda on Sept. 6, 1974 after 30 years of service to his country. He then moved to Holton to live with his daughter, Victorine. Thomas had been an avid bowler and bowled several 300 games. He enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycling and was a sports enthusiast. Thomas also had operated a fishing charter boat out of Oscoda for several years.Thomas is survived by his children, Juanita F. (William) Unhoch of Gordonsville, Va; Victorine A. Zeckzer (Forrest Burns) of Holton; Thomas D. (Sue) Roach of Sturgis, Mich.; Kenneth G. Roach; Patrick R. (Tommie) Roach; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Terrance Roach, Rosemary Taylor and Robert Roach.Memorial graveside with military rites will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Lakeshore Cemetery in Grand Haven following cremation. Memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Thomas. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory online at www.crandellfh.com. Crandell – Fremont Chapel 231-924-0800
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