Paul Thayer

A quiet and gentle man, Paul E. Thayer lived a humble life, rich in family. Paul was a personable man who met each day as a gift and every person as a friend. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Paul cherished his family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time in the good company of his loved ones. Revered by many, Paul will long be remembered by those he loved. Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression and the growing conflict in Europe, many families found the way to continue to center their lives in love and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was that hope more evident than in the Allegan, Michigan, home of Paul and Emma (Norwood) Thayer as they welcomed their son Paul into their family on April 13, 1936. The oldest of the Thayers’ seven children, Paul grew up in a home filled with love, resourcefulness, and activity. Along with his younger siblings, Forrest, Emma Jean, Dawn, Clifford “Skip,” Joann, and Sandy, Paul attended Otsego Public Schools. Like many in his generation, he left school after the 8th grade. In 1960, while at The Dixie, a popular place to dine, drink, and dance, Paul had the good fortune to meet the love of his life, Donna Boyer. Instantly smitten, the pair began dating and soon setting their eyes on a future spent together. On January 21, 1961, at the Vermontville United Methodist parsonage, Paul and Donna exchanged their marriage vows, officially beginning their 58-year adventure together. The happy couple was blessed to welcome four children into their family. Christine, Karen, Paul, and Amy became the center of their lives. Paul and Donna worked hard to provide their children with a loving home, rooted in family values. An easy-going father, Paul supported his children in each of their endeavors. He steadfastly provided for his family through a variety of jobs. Over the years, he worked Angle Steel, Pet Foods, Kono’s, Jake’s Tire Service, and Mall City Mechanical. During the late 70s, Paul decided he wanted to return to school and earn his diploma. 1979, with great pride, he and his daughter both graduated from Plainwell schools. Never one to demand the spotlight, Paul was contented by the simple things in life. When he was younger, he liked to attend the stock car races at Kalamazoo Speedway. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Plainwell, where he worked with the missions team, which brought him great joy. Paul enjoyed reading western novels, exploring the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the American Old West. His happiest past time was sitting on the porch, reading, and watching the birds and traffic. Without a doubt, Paul’s greatest joy came with the blessings of grandchildren. Daniel, Adam, Joe, Jack, and Sean were his heart’s delight. In each of their eyes, he could easily see the sparks of his legacy and his greatest wishes for the future. As with his own children before them, Paul proudly supported each of his grandsons and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow into the fine young people they are today. Clearly, it is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Paul’s steadfast presence. May the many sweet memories we hold in our hearts of this special man afford deep comfort. May it also be of comfort to know that we carry the best gifts of Paul’s legacy forward in our own lives. In so doing, Paul’s love and light will continue to inspire countless others just as he has inspired us. Paul E. Thayer, of Plainwell, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the age of 83. Paul is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna; three children: Christine (Michael) Freeling, of Kalamazoo; Paul (Candy) Thayer II, of Kalkaska; Amy Thayer, of Portage; nine grandchildren: Daniel, Adam, Joe, Jack, Sean, Meagon, Jennifer, Rachelle, and Dalton. He is also survived by daughter-in-law: Sandy Adams, of Buchannan; siblings: Dawn (Ron) Karslake, of Vanderbilt; Clifford “Skip” Thayer, of Reed City; Joann Sheets, of Union City; Sandy (Micky) Greer, of AR. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Thayer, and siblings: Forrest Thayer and Emma Jean Nichols. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please visit Paul’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory and/or a photo with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell Missions and/or Parkinson’s Foundation. The family is being served by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Marshall-Gren Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI 269-685-5881. *Do to weather, the graveside service has been cancelled.