David Lee Thomas

David L. Thomas, age 83, of Hope, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on March 7, 2026. Born on June 18, 1942, in Midland, Michigan, to Leonard and Edna (Bensch) Thomas, Dave graduated from Midland High School in 1960 and attended Delta College for three years.

He married Margaret Kerrigan on September 18, 1967, and together they raised two daughters, Jennele Ault and Jonna Thomas. Dave worked as a Journeyman Pipefitter at The Dow Chemical Company before becoming co-owner of Thomas Trading Post with his father. He took great pride in the business, becoming the largest Carhartt retailer in Michigan, and was a longtime supporter of Midland 4-H, purchasing a large animal from a local youth each year. He often said he lived by the motto, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Dave had a lifelong passion for his “toys”—trucks, boats, trailers, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and four-wheelers—yet the real enjoyment came from the research and the wheeling and dealing beforehand. Family remained his top priority. Weekends often found him at Wixom Lake surrounded by loved ones, sharing good food and conversation. He never missed a sporting event for his children or grandchildren, no matter how long his workday had been. Known for his loud, vibrant personality, he called everyone “buddy,” handed out nicknames freely, and loved stirring the pot just to watch the laughter that followed. With a coffee cup in hand, a toothpick in his mouth, and a story ready to tell, Dave brought energy and joy wherever he went, creating countless memories for all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennele Ault and Jonna Thomas; his sister, Pam Kastl and her husband Pat; grandchildren, Kortnea Bloomfield, Kenady (Nate Wannemacher), and Karsyn Sasse (Derick Cassiday); great-grandsons, Odyn Slocum and Sedar Gradeless; nephews, Cory (Melissa) and Garrett Kastl; niece, Mackenzie Kastl; and grand-niece, Grace Kastl. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Sweebe and her husband, Ned; and his son-in-law, Ronald Ault.