MCBEATH THOMAS A

WO1 Thomas A. Mcbeath was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 01/01/2023 at the age of 79.5 from Cancer
Grand Ledge, MI
Flight Class 65-17W
Date of Birth 07/01/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Richard Deer - Obit

More detail on this person: Thomas McBeath, of Grand Ledge, joined the angels in heaven after losing his battle with cancer on January 1, 2023. Tom was a blessing to countless people, including his wife Barbara McBeath, his children Ryan McBeath, Kristen (Wade) Rayner, Jill McBeath, Ryan (Lois) Atkins, and Tamara (Walter) Longcore, and his five grandchildren: Drew, Ethan, and Owen Atkins and Anna and Josie Longcore. Tom loved his family, camping at Point Abbaye, and traveling. He could be found cutting trees in the woods, collecting sap at the Morris Sugarbush, or enjoying a good glass of wine. His active childhood fostered his interests of sailing, woodworking, and reading about Michigan history. Tom had a servant's heart, affecting the lives of numerous family and friends throughout his 79 years of life. Thomas Allen McBeath, born on July 1, 1943 in Houghton, MI, was the third of four sons to Donald and Hazel McBeath. Conspiring with his brothers Sandy, Jim, and John, Tom was an avid outdoorsman: discovering, climbing, building, and shaping his future endeavors. In 1949, the McBeath family moved to Roscommon, MI where Tom graduated from Gerrish-Higgins High School in 1961. Following a one year stint on a fishing boat off the shores of Alaska, Tom attended Michigan State University. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army, faithfully serving his country as a Chinook helicopter pilot through the Vietnam War in 1966 and 1967, transporting soldiers. In 1969, Tom began his career and service in the Grand Ledge Armory of the Michigan Army National Guard as a Civil Service Technician, later earning the title of Chief Maintenance Officer. After 30+ years serving his country, Tom retired in 1999 with the ranking of Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). Tom's service and loyalty continued as a member of the Quiet Birdmen, a secretive club in the United States for male aviators, and a member of the Capitol Area Chapter of MOAA (Military Officers Association of America). Tom also worked with the J. Sauter Veterans Treatment Court in Eaton County since its inception in 2013, serving as a Veteran Mentor Coordinator from 2015 to 2022. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Hazel McBeath, and his brother, Donald Sandy McBeath. A Funeral Mass with Military Honors for Tom will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 11:00 am at St Michael's Parish, 345 Edwards St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with visitation at 10:00 am and a luncheon following. Relatives and friends may also meet the family on Wednesday, January 4 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mills Funeral Home, 301 E. Jefferson Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's name to the Capitol Area Chapter MOAA scholarship fund (https://www.cacmoaa.org/Scholarships.aspx) or J. Sauter Eaton County Veterans Treatment Court, 1045 Independence Blvd, Room 150 Charlotte, MI 48813. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com

This information was last updated 01/02/2023

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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