Vaughn Thomas "Tom" Gresly

Vaughn Thomas “Tom” Gresly, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 12, 2024. He was known to friends as Tom and with affectionate nicknames of “Gres” and “Swamp Thing”. Tom was born on August 1, 1943, in Battle Creek, MI to LaVern and Marion (Balcom) Gresly. He was a proud Bearcat as he was a member of the swim team and drum line graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. Tom was a proud alumnus and was often seen wearing Michigan gear and was a season ticket-holder for many years where he enjoyed watching his beloved Wolverines at The Big House. In 1965, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Fort Snelling, earning the rank of Lieutenant. After returning from the Navy, he worked as a foreman at Clark Equipment, was a co-owner of the Drive Thru Party Store, and retired from II Stanley in 2008. As a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Tom enjoyed being a member of the Battle Creek Ski Club, the American Legion Post 298, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 299, and the VFW. He especially enjoyed his time with the Battle Creek Balloon Club where he was a crew chief for the Corkscrew Balloon Team and then the “M Go Ballooning” Team. Tom was loved by many and a friend to all, but the greatest joy of his life was his daughter and grandchildren.  

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vern, Gary, and Bruce Gresly; and stepson Vincent Westerman. He is survived by daughter, Jacki (Randy) Gaytan; grandchildren, Rayna, Lorenzo and Joaquin Gaytan; sister, Lila Back; stepchildren, Jodee Overfield, Philip Westerman, and Nicholas Westerman; and several nieces and nephews. 

Cremation has taken place and internment with full military honors will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. A Celebration of Tom's Life will also be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024 at the American Legion Post #298, 228 N. 20^th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Memorial gifts in honor of Vaughn Gresly may be made directly to any of the following Battle Creek Public Schools Education Foundation scholarship funds:  Angood/Arnold Scholarship Fund, https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1100; Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund, https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1977; or the Morton Matthew Maulding Scholarship Fund, https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2380; or send your gift to: Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W Michigan Ave Ste 1, Battle Creek, Michigan, 49017, noting which fund(s) and gift amount on the memo line.  Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family memories of Tom may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.