Thomas Southward

Mr. Thomas H. Southward, age 89, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2007 in Fruitport at the Gibson AFC Home. He was born January 10, 1918 in Belvidere, IL to Jonathan and May (Redding) Southward, and had resided in the Muskegon area for the past 60 years. Mr. Southward was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp., having served as a pilot in WWII. He worked as a Supervisor for MichCon Gas Co. for 35 years prior to his retirement. Mr. Southward was a member of St. Mary's and St. Jean de Baptiste Catholic Church for many years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. On August 24, 1946 he married the former Marne O'Neil in Ft. Lewis, WA, and she preceded him in death on April 7, 1989. He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Tom in 1989, Rick "Southy" in 2001; step father, Gus Borg; 3 brothers, his identical twin brother, Ray in 1999; brothers, John and George both in 2006; and nephew, Bill Southward. SURVIVORS include 2 children, JoAnn (Ray) Dalson of Roosevelt Park, John Southward and family friend, Jim Camp of Fresno, CA; 5 grandchildren, Tom (Christine) Alvesteffer, Andrea (Chad) Dorn, Bernie, Joe and Ricky Southward; 4 great grandchildren, Adam, Jeffrey, T.J., Erin; loving sister-in-law, Pat Southward; and many nieces and nephews. SERVICES will be 11 AM Monday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 with Rev. Fr. Leonard Sudlik officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 7-9 PM Sunday, and 1 hour prior on Monday, from 10-11 AM. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial Contributions to Reeling and Healing MidWest or Hospice of North Ottawa would be appreciated.