Duke Thomet, age 93, of Lowell, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marylynn; son, Jack; parents, Alfred & Fannie; siblings, Hugh, Jeanne, Stewart, and Richard; grandson, Phillip; and great-grandson, Nathan.
Duke is survived by his children, Lynn (Phil) Nauta, Denny (Cathy) Thomet, Ken (Susan) Thomet, and Mark (Cindi) Thomet; daughter-in-law Gail Drake; brother, Ron (Rose) Thomet; sisters-in-law, Pat Thomet, and Cheryl Collins; brother-in-law, Orley Kranenberg; and special friend Donna Smit; grandchildren, Travis Thomet, Carrie (Brian) Fox, Lisa (Jarret) Hoppe, Lyndsey Thomet, Julie Thomet, Abigail Thomet, Collin (Jacquelyn) Thomet, and AnneMarie Thomet; great-grandchildren, Brianna (Stevan) Visser, Mackenzie (Chad) Willett, Sydney Fox, Brady (Brooke) Fox Jonathan Dungy Bryan; and two great-great grandchildren.
Alfred J. Thomet, known to many as Duke, Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa Toast, and Gramps, was born to Alfred and Fannie Thomet on February 24, 1927 in Ada, Michigan, on his father’s dairy farm, now known as Thomet Stables. Duke graduated from Lowell High School in 1945, and promptly enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served during WWII. Upon returning from duty, Duke began building a home for the love of his life, Marylynn Collins. They married on June 4, 1949 and together they welcomed their five beautiful children, creating endless wonderful memories in the home they lived in for the rest of their lives. After working in the automotive industry for many years, Duke founded Thomet Chevrolet and Buick in 1969. After retiring, Duke and Marylynn enjoyed traveling in their motorhome visiting friends and family. Beloved by all, Duke was a humble servant of his lord and savior, Jesus Christ, as well as to his community. He was a son, brother, father, and grandfather, but also a friend, teacher, and mentor to many. Private services were held by the family and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Lowell, 621 E. Main Street Lowell, MI 49331 or Honor Flight, Honor Flight Box L-4016 Columbus, OH 43260
17 Responses
Duke you were an amazing man and you will be terribly missed by so many. R.I.P my friend until we meet again!
My prayers are with the family. I enjoyed my visits with him.
Cindy Cornell
Duke was one of the nicest guys I’ve known.
He will be missed by many
Me and my family bought many cars and trucks from Duke great man and friend to my dad. RED BRISTOL
A great puller of the community. Will be missed by many
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Duke, you always were one of a kind. That laugh and smile of yours always lifted people’s spirits. You will be missed down here on earth as we will all feel an emptiness. However we all know you lived your life with a special enthusiasm and a kindness to others. You loved and are loved by your family and friends. You liked to call your own shots and live on your own terms.
Well, by golly Duke, I raise my glass to you and say cheers to you for a life well lived! Here’s to you and to the lives you have touched! See you on the other side O’l friend.
Our condolences and prayers. The steffens Family
My condolences to the whole family. Just talked to Ken and mentioned how fun it was to talk to his dad! So glad Ken and his daughters were with him. He has joined many of his Lowell buddies now and they are watching us from above
We so enjoyed Duke’s easy friendly nature. Missed but not forgotten.
So Sorry for the family! What a great guy who had a great life, surrounded by a great family. Proud to have called him my friend.
We so enjoyed getting to know Duke these past few years. He was always smiling and happy to talk to you. He will be missed by many.
Our condolences to his family, especially to our friends , his daughter Lynn and Phil.
Condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.
Rest in peace, Duke.
Sorry for your loss we will miss his smile
Duke was a wonderful man…he was my Mom’s second cousin…his Mom being my Mom’s first cousin…I would see him many times at the local diner and always spoke to him…my deepest and most sincere sympathies to his family…
Praying for your family.
Sorry for your loss. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.