Thomas Gilland

Thomas Gerald Gilland, age 86, of Ludington passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017. He was born April 26, 1931 in Lake Leelanau to James and Julia (Horton) Gilland. Tom enlisted in the US Army in 1950 and served his country during the Korean War. He worked as a wheelsman for the C&O Railroad Car Ferry for over 30 years. He also a Merchant Marine and haled supplies during Desert Storm. Tom was a member of the Custer VFW, the Ludington Area American Legion, and the West Michigan Old Engine Club. In his spare time, Tom loved palying cards, fixing engines, tinkering, and playing with his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his children: Sherri (Bill) Reeds of Ludington, Lisa (Jeff) Vineyard of Ludington, Bonita (Percy) Marie of Houma, LA, and Shannon Bussey of Ludington; siblings: Irene Hoffman, Kyran Gilland; seven grandchildren: Denise, Charlie, Joe, Dan, Jeremiah, Zachary, and Kayla; five great grandchildren: Jack, Abby, Xavier, Brayden, and Lexi. Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Dora (Frechette), and his second wife Dorothy (Neumann) Trapp; siblings: Mary Ellen Darling, Genevieve Huggard, Edward Gilland, Morrie Gilland, Pat Gilland, Terry Gilland, Joe Gilland, and Mike Gilland. The family would like to express their gratitude to Sutter Home for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions may be directed to Ludington Optimist Club Childhood Cancer Campaign. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, October 6, 2017 at 12 noon, with visitation starting at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington. Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.