Alan Storm

Alan Joseph Storm was a man known for his strength of character. His devotion to the roles of husband, father, and grandfather, made him a reliable leader and a genuine friend. When World War II ended in 1945, the United States embarked upon a period of economic prosperity that provided a much needed change for Americans. In Muskegon, Michigan, there were many positive changes in store for Storm family as well. On November 26, 1944, Harry & Helen (Tomorsky) Storm welcomed the birth of their second child, Alan. Alan joined his sister Dorthea, who was 12 years old, and the family was finally complete. Als father was a fireman, foundry worker and retired from Misco-Howmet and his mother worked at Great Lakes Plating before deciding to become a full-time housewife. The family enjoyed a happy life in the Lakeside Area, creating many memories of days spent in summer sun or winter snow. Although Al suffered from Polio at the age of six, he was able to recover with the help of his family. It was during this time that Al's mother enrolled him in piano lessons since he could not play many sports. Family was the most important thing in the Storm household, and they always pulled together. Al attended Bunker Elementary School, and although he never played sports in school, he liked to play catch with the neighborhood kids and made many long lasting friendships. Al was a bright student, and attended St. Francis Junior High School before attending and graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1963. Al bravely devoted himself to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning from war, Al attended College and received an Associates degree in Business. Al also became a member of the motorcycle group the Outriders. It was not unlike Al to meet any challenge head on and with complete confidence in his ability to make the best of what he had. His favorite time of year was Christmas, and his family took every opportunity to be together. They had a lot of backyard cook outs, where everybody loved Als mothers Hungarian Tradition of bacon fries and good conversation. These were values he would carry on to his own family later in life, which began the moment he met Joyce Fox. In 1981, Al was working at a gas station on the corner of Apple & Harvey when Joyce went through the car wash. Al ran after her because he thought she had gone through with out paying. In an unexpected turn of events, a relationship began. Al and Joyce dated for 7 years and were married in 1988. When Al married Joyce, he had three wonderful sons, Scott Shawn & Richard & she had two children, John & Lorrie. He loved being a father and going fishing or camping with the boys was a special event to him. Al was strict, tough, and instilled in his boys values of honesty and integrity. There was never any favoritism between children and all five of them were equally loved and adored. Al found work as a security guard at Brunswick, and remained there until he retired. In his lifetime Al, was a member of Muskegon Conservation Club, V.F.W. Post #7729, American Legion, Moose, and The Crew Car Club. He loved going to car shows, and took every opportunity to show off his 1965 Ford Galaxie 500. Throughout the years, family remained the most important thing to Al. He was later blessed with fifteen beautiful grandchildren, Amber, Autumn, Kim, Christopher, Kristique, Kendra, Katelyn, Linnea, Alexis, Rianna, Kerensa, Zack, Adam, Cameron and Levi. Alan loved going to his grandchildrens events, which included band concerts, baseball games, football games, and any activity they were involved in. Al was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren, Kaleb, Ryan, Sofia, Lexi and Rickey. Al was a very proud grandpa. Al and Joyce got the chance to do some traveling together later in life, and enjoyed going to Bush Gardens, Cypress Gardens, and camping with the children and grandchildren. Al loved to go out in the boat, but insisted upon staying close enough inland to see the shore. They also liked going to their son's cabin on the river in Evart, where the whole family could simply relax and enjoy each other's company. Sadly, Mr. Alan J. Storm, age 65, died Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at his home. He will be so greatly missed. Al was a very likable person who was straightforward and had many lifelong friends. He was a caretaker who was deeply devoted to his loved ones and his country. He leaves us his legacy of strong will and compassion for others. Al is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Shawn (Darlene) Storm, Scott (Jodi) Storm, Richard Storm, John (Ronda) Fisher; daughter, Lorrie (Cedrick) Brown; 15 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Dorthea "Pete" (Dale) McKay. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services are to be held Monday, June 14, 2010, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with visitation starting at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the Family to defray funeral expenses. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.