Thomas R. Lobdell, 66, of Decatur, loving brother and uncle, passed away suddenly at his home on Jul 19, 2006. He was born in Kalamazoo, on Feb 25, 1940. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Neva (Forton) Lobdell.
Surviving are his sister, Martha (Harold) Orr of Decatur; his uncle David (Connie) Menefee of Benton Harbor; niece, Marron (Travis) Henry of Marcellus; nephews – Matthew (Dannielle) Wheeler of Holiday, FL, Jeffery (Marty) Orr of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Richard Orr of North Manchester, IN; and six great nieces and great nephews.
Tom graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1958 and Western Michigan University in 1964. He taught in Coloma Consolidated Schools for 18 years.
He was an avid collector of almost everything. Being a kind and generous person, Tom often gave away fish poles, bicycles and lawn chairs to those who needed them. The large horse chestnut tree in his yard was a gathering place for many who wanted to watch the world go by. Tom was greatly loved and will be sadly missed.
Funeral services will be at 11 am Thursday at Newell Funeral Home, Decatur, with Mr. James Abshagen officiating. Burial will be in Millburg Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The Herald-Palladium