Obituary of Thomas Edward Cummings
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Thomas "Tom Turkey" Edward Cummings, age 89, of Goodrich, formerly of Okeechobee, Florida, died Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Grand Blanc. In accordance with Tom's wishes, cremation will take place. A private burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 2:00 pm, Monday, November 2, 2020; with Military honors conducted by the United States Navy. Expressions of sympathy may be considered by visiting Tom's tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Tom was born in Atlas Township on November 14, 1930; he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace "Buster" and Nina (Hood) Cummings; growing up on the family's farm better known as The Dutch Rd. Turkey Farm, he learned the value of taking pride in your work. These same values he learned as a boy were passed down from generation to generation. Shortly after graduating high school, Tom enlisted into the United States Navy during the Korean War, proudly serving as a Gunner's Mate on the USS Daly from September 27, 1951, until receiving his honorable discharge on September 26, 1955. While docked in Charlestown, Boston, he met, fell in love with, and married Marjorie Mae Brown in 1953. During his tour as a "tin can sailor," Tom earned numerous citations and campaign ribbons, including a circumnavigate the globe plaque. Upon returning to civilian life, Tom would begin working for General Motors Parts Division Supplier in Swartz Creek, retiring as a supervisor in the 1980's. After retirement, Tom took a 2-week fishing trip to Okeechobee, Florida, that ended up lasting 35 years. Tom was quick-witted, with a hilarious sense of humor; wherever he went, Tom was the center. He was a long-time member of the VFW Hall Big Lake Post #10539 in Okeechobee, Florida, and the Okeechobee Moose Lodge 1753. He was a passionate fishing afishionado, loved golfing, spending time at the Whalens fishing camp in Grind Stone City, Michigan, Hank & Don's in Swartz Creek, and his old watering hole the BullRing Sports Bar in Goodrich. He was an avid sports fan, especially football, baseball, college football and college basketball. Tom was a beer enthusiast who loved making people laugh with a straight face.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Sam "Sambo" Cummings, of Flushing, Susie Cummings, of Revere, MA., and George Cummings of Cambridge, MA.; granddaughter, Allie Thompson, and fiancé, Brennan Rowe; great-grandchildren: Landon, Brentley, and Hudson; special cousins, and co-caregivers: Pam and Tom Broecker; sisters-in-law: Joyce and Betty Cummings; former wife, Marjorie "Peggy" Cummings of Somerville, MA; special buddy, Dick Bilbrey in Okeechobee, FL; and special friend, Barbara Harris of Frankenmuth, favorite snowbird neighbors: Forrest and wife, Janice Trent, and Jack Crow, of Okeechobee, FL.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents: four brothers: Duane, Jim, George, and Jon, and his grandson, Barry Cummings.
