The Woods Is Full Of ‘Em: May 16

William G Thomas married Jeanette 'Nettie' Durren 16 May 1890

PHOTOS: Nettie Durren Thomas, William G Thomas

William G Thomas was a brother of my great-grandfather Charles Thomas.

He was a barber in Watervliet for many years.

PHOTO: William G. Thomas in his barber shop.

I don't have a closeup picture of William except the one from his obituary, which is grainy because it's from the newspaper.

13 Dec 1945

WILLIAM G THOMAS

William G Thomas, age 83, veteran Watervliet barber and dean of the local North Woods Dear Hunters from this area, dropped dead in front of his home on Park Street shortly after 8:00 o’clock Thursday morning as he was leaving for downtown to open his barber shop in his customary manner. Two local youths who chanced to be passing at the time helped carry the heart attack victim into his home. Dr. F W Brown was summoned immediately but announced that life was extinct when he arrived a few minutes after being called.

William G Thomas, known affectionately as “Bill” to his many friends in this locality would have been 83 years of age had he lived till this coming January 29. He excited much admiration by reason of his being a remarkable man for his years. Only a comparatively few days ago he returned from his annual deer hunting expedition to Northern Michigan. Born in Bangor township on 29 January 1863, the son of Washington L and Harriett (Walker) Thomas. He came to Watervliet in 1895 and has been engaged in the barbering business here continuously since that time with the exception of a few years spent in the vicinity of Cadillac. He was a life member of Henry Chamberlain Lodge, F&AM, and had served as a member of the Watervliet City Commission.

Besides his wife, Jeanette, he is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Sam Stephens of Lansing; Mrs. Frank Scheler and Mrs. Gus Treichel, Benton Harbor; and Mrs. Fred Frazee, Watervliet. Six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren also survive. Preceding him in death were two sons, Don and Ralph Thomas.

Thursday evening the body was removed from the Hutchins funeral parlors to the home where it may be viewed by friends until Sunday noon when it will be taken to the Congregational church. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday under Masonic auspices. Rev Clifford W Hilliker will officiate. Interment will be in Watervliet cemetery.