Obituary of Thomas Gatica

Of Mt. Morris, age 63, died Monday, January 7, 2013, at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. The funeral service will take place, 12:30 pm, Thursday, January 10, 2013, at Martin Funeral, Cremation, and Tributes Services. Deacon Omar Odette will officiate with burial to follow in the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Thomas' family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Wednesday evening, family, friends and parish will gather to pray the Rosary at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Thomas was born August 19, 1949, in Saginaw, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Hortencia (Garcia) Gatica. He and Esther Sanderlin were united in marriage May 3, 1976. She preceded him in death September 17, 2011. He worked at Beecher School District for over 25 years as a janitor. In his spare time, Thomas enjoyed fishing, watching old western movies, and spending time with his family. He was a devoted man, and always took care of others. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Albert, Robert, Artis, Marlo, Cortensia, Thomas III, and Rhoda, 23 grandchildren, a special granddaughter, Latoya Humphrey, five great-grandchildren, six brothers, Ramiro, Richard, Alverta and wife Delores, Frank and wife, Diane, Loyd and wife, Sue and Ray and wife Grace, three sisters, Horalia and husband Henry Boedecker, Guadalupe and husband Carl Pearson and Vincenta and husband Delbert Wilson, Uncle Benito Nieto and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceeded in death by his parents, wife, Esther, grandson, Brian Thomas, and brother, Hector. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.martinfuneralhome.com.