Thomas R. Allan

Thomas Richard (Dick) Allan, 102, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at NorthPointe Woods, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 12, 1915 in Battle Creek, the son of Thomas and Annie (Swainston) Allan. He graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1932. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 aboard the U.S.S. Fall River as a Boatswain's Mate First Class.

Tom married Catharine (Katie) Gittens on March 5, 1949. He is survived by four children, Jane (Paul) Ponitz, Kirk (Patti) Allan, Mary (Dale) Dawson and Anne (John) Zanetti; 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Tom retired from Grand Trunk Western Railroad in 1975 after serving as a conductor for 40 years. He was an active member of the R.R. Retirees Golf League at Oakland Hills where he played twice a week. At the age of 95 he sadly had to retire his golf clubs. He also was an avid trout fisherman and loved tying his own flies.

Tom is the oldest and longest member with 90 years at Maple United Methodist Church. He served on many different committees. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses and staff at NorthPointe Woods for the exceptional care they gave "Tom Tom." They loved him and he loved them. Also, a thank you to Hospice of Southwest Michigan for their wonderful and attentive care.

A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Linda Stoddard. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Maple United Methodist Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.