Thomas M. Houle

Thomas M. Houle, age 88, a lifelong resident of Dearborn, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2019. He was born on October 29, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan; son of William Dona and Irene Leona (Guindon) Houle. He was united in marriage to Belva “Julie” on June 10, 1954. They were devoted to each other for 47 years until her death in 2001.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was inducted into the Army in 1952 and deployed to Korea as part of the U.S. 25 ^th Infantry Division, where he served as a rifleman from 1952-1953. He served as the past commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Cpl. Ian Gray Chapter 51; the past senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, West Dearborn Post 2017; a member of the American Legion, Fort Dearborn Post 364; and a member of the AMVETS Post 4. And even though he was not Polish, he was a member of the Polish American Legion of the American Veterans Post 75.

Tom graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn, class of 1950. He worked as an Emissions Technician with Ford Motor Company for 32 years. After retiring in 1986, he worked for the City of Dearborn as a Transportation Specialist for over 10 years. Tom was very creative and known as “Mr. Fix-it”. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, and crafting beautiful stained glass. He also liked to play cribbage. Tom was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Tom is survived by his children, Thomas (Rebecca) Houle, Michelle (Duane) DeFer, and Janine Houle; his grandchildren, Marie (Ben King) DeFer, Samuel (Ashley Strait) Houle, Laura (Hayden) Starkey, Joshua Houle, Kyle Gurka, and Lance Gurka; and his great grandchildren, Maddex Houle, Madeline Starkey, and Jaxxen Houle.

A graveside service was held at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville. The American Legion Post 364 officiated the service and rendered full military honors for Thomas M. Houle.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to VFW National Home for Children , 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 .