William Emmett Thomas

William E. Thomas, age 85 of Kalamazoo, died May 4, 2019 at Borgess Hospital. He was born July 27, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Verne and Mary (Sitar) Thomas. Bill was a graduate of Richland High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Bill owned and operated WT Antenna Home Sales for 20 years and worked for James River Paper for 43 years. His proudest work was his position on the Kalamazoo Township Fire Department for 50 years, where he retired as Captain in 2001. When duty called, Bill always answered, saving the lives of many who were in full arrest during his firefighter career. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Bill built a cottage on Crooked Lake in Delton, where he spent many wonderful summers with his family. He was mechanically inclined and loved to tinker in his shop, where he could fix anything. Bill loved polka music and enjoyed dancing and sharing his fun loving personality with others. On August 11, 1962, he married LaVergne "Mickey" (Callari) Nance, who preceded him in death in 2012. He is survived by his children: Barbara Nance, T.L. Nance, Carol Scott and Karen Brown (Ted Beebe); his grandchildren: Travis (Brooke) Scott, Melanie (Joe) Nance-Mannon, Samantha Brown, Kassandra Brown; his great- grandchildren: Madison, Michael and David Mannon, and Sophia, Zoe and Jeram Scott; his brother and sisters: Ralph Thomas (Bea Ross), Irene (Paul) Medema, and Connie (Bill) Plochocki; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 9th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10th at the funeral home, with Pastor Travis Scott officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, May 13th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial be directed to Eastwood Firefighter's Association. Please visit Bill's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. http://www.langelands.com