Willard Thompson

Willard Thompson, aged 88 years of Plainwell, Michigan passed away on January 16 peacefully with his son in attendance.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Allen Eddy and David Thompson. He is survived by his children Beth Eschenauer and spouse John, Willard Seth Thompson and his spouse Deirdre, and 6 wonderful grandsons (Alex, Anton, Andrew, Bryce, Ian and Sean).

Willard was born on November 29, 1936 to Willard Fleetwood Thompson and Juanita Eddy in Detroit, Michigan. The family did not have much in terms of resources, but they made do in a house that their father built. The family was close and the brothers and father hunted deer together as a tradition that has been handed down to at least one grandson, Ian.

As the oldest of three brothers, he set an example by studying chemistry and attending Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, he started working in the paper industry where he worked to support his eventual family with two children. He was actually on the team that developed 'Bounce' softener sheets for P&G that many of us love and use.

Willard was very much a family man and would take his family to visit his parents almost monthly even though it was a two hour drive. As time went on and after the children married, the families still got together at each major holiday.

Willard was also a good friend. He would give you the shirt off his back and then bake you a pie. He enjoyed the outdoors and experienced true fun with the folks in the 'Adventure Club' and sailing with his friend Dave. During Covid he had a hard time because he couldn't see his friends at his gym as he was a social animal.

Due to his longevity he experienced loss including his two brothers and many friends, but he kept his positivity. He would tell his children that he couldn't be prouder of his children and his 6 grandsons who were all 'worth a million'.

He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

In accordance with the family's wishes a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church, 766 S Farmer St, Otsego, MI 49078, on Friday, January 24, 2025 with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. There will be an additional time for visiting and fellowship at Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Willard will be laid to rest with his family at Salem-Walker Cemetery in Northville, MI.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Willard's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Thompson family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.