Fallon, Thomas E.

Mr. Thomas E. Fallon, age 87 years, passed away Friday, January 12, 2007 at the Bay Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on April 6, 1919 in Muskegon, Michigan the son of the late Thomas D. and Ann (Pederson) Fallon. Tom graduated from Muskegon High School in 1937 and attended Muskegon Junior College. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp and earning a Bronze Star. While in service Tom wrote for the military newspaper, the Stars & Stripes and was a B-17 radio operator flying on several combat missions. On July 30, 1948 he married Barbara L. Doolittle at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Muskegon and together they have been blessed with 58 years of marriage. Tom spent twenty-five years with the Muskegon Chronicle serving first as a copy reporter, then assistant sports editor, state editor, assistant city editor and finally city editor in 1956. Tom began his career at the Bay City Times in 1969 as the editor-in-chief which he held until his retirement in 1981. Through the years Tom was involved with a variety of different organizations including; the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, the Saginaw Valley College Board of Fellows, the Bay County Medical Health Society Board, MSU Journalism School Board of Directors, the Frankenlust Township Planning Commission, a member of the Old News Boys, the Bay City Lodge No.88 B.P.O.E., the Saginaw Club and the Bay City Country Club. SURVIVORS Surviving family include his wife, Barbara; his son, Thomas K. and wife Cleo; daughter, Melissa and husband Joe Gutierrez and granddaughter, Crystal Martinez, all of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister, Elizabeth Wilson of Muskegon and his niece, Michele and husband Mark Anderson and their son, James. Tom was preceded in death by his brother, James K. Fallon. SERVICE A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 11 AM at Clock Lifestory Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic.