Arthur "Art" D. Thomas

Arthur "Art" D. Thomas, age 79, of Mount Pleasant, passed away with family by his side on Thursday, January 2, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held in Spring 2025 at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Flushing. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send condolence cards may mail them to Sharp Funeral Home - Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek MI 48473. Online condolences can be shared by visiting his obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. 

Art was born on January 19, 1945, in Flint, Michigan. The son of Murk & Gladys (Brovont) Thomas. He attended Beecher High School. Art started in the work force promptly after high school. He was first employed with McDonald's and Fuel Gas Co. owned by his uncle, before settling at General Motors. Art worked for General Motors Metal Fab for 40 1/2 years retiring in 2006 as a Die Setter. Art is a proud member of Local Union 659. He married the love of his life, Caroline Rust on February 8, 1964, and they were blessed with 8 children.

Art was an avid outdoors man, his love for the great outdoors started as early as being 12 years old when he owned his first 12-gauge shotgun. He proudly named it Blunderbust. Throughout his many years he enjoyed hunting coon, deer, turkey, duck, rabbit and squirrel. He shared his love of the outdoors and hunting with his wife and all his children. He also hunted with his good buddy, Earl Munson, at his farm in Edmore. 

As a family they did a great deal of camping and fishing. In retirement Art and Caroline traveled the states in their RV, nearly making all the 50 states with their friends, Terry (Carolyn) Kruse.

His Sunday afternoons were reserved for watching NASCAR racing; one of his hobbies was doing wood working projects. 

To say Art loved playing cards would be an understatement; he might have been a little obsessed. Playing cards with Art was not easy as it seemed the man never lost. If any of his children or grandchildren were able to win against him it truly was an honor! His most favorite card game was Euchre, but he liked many other games such as: Skip Bo, Uno, 7's and Dominos with his friend Terry Kruse. Art and Caroline hosted many game nights at their house of which many were spur of the moment. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Caroline Thomas of Mount Pleasant; his 7 children, Renae Thomas of Owosso, Michigan, Dale (Sara) Thomas of NAMPA, Idaho, Lee Thomas of Flint,Michigan, Tracy (John) Nunez of Emmett, Idaho, Eugene Thomas of Farwell, Michigan, Janine (Marvin) Scott of Lake, Michigan and Katie Clare of Clare, Michigan; 11 grandchildren, Eugenia (Cody) Vudures, Taylor Thomas, Charlie (Alyssa) True, Paige Thomas, William True, Alina Scott, Arthur Scott, Skiler Thomas, Ace Thomas, Cecilia Clare and Brogyn Clare; 4 great-grandchildren, Jack, Josie, Amelia and Charlotte; sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Jerry) Conley and Joyce Rust; brother-in-law, Raymond (Julie) Rust. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Murk and Gladys, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Francis X Muringer; infant daughter, Lisa Marie Thomas; daughter-in-law, Dawn Thomas; 2 brothers, Roy Lee (Evelyn) Thomas and Arnold Thomas; and his wife's 6 siblings who were like his own; Tony, Florence, Joann, Gloria, Dan, Mack.

Art will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him, Bumpa. There was always a hidden smile in his eyes as he took pleasure in challenging those he loved, to their limits so that they could reach their greatest potential.