Thomas E Dufour

Thomas E. Dufour, 78, passed from this world to join Bonnie, his beloved wife of 51 years; his brothers; and his late parents, Clement and Lillian Dufour, in a joyous reunion which leaves those of us he left behind to miss him filled with sadness but in the knowledge his arrival was greeted by a chorus of smiling faces.

He was born in Colorado and graduated from Erie High School before leaving home to join the Army. A member of the 173rd Airborne, he served his country in Vietnam and was a proud veteran. He met his wife at Cedar Point, and as the story goes, was so instantly smitten that he climbed the water tower to impress her. Three months later, they were married and set their roots in Toledo. Over the years he was known for coaching baseball, his patented yellow hat at Storm games, and for gruff attitude that was both intimidating and great to be around. A master carpenter, he commanded a knowledge of the trade and built homes for countless numbers of people across the region. He was also proud of his work in getting the Carpentry Program returned to the Whitmer Career and Technology Center. Now, he settles in a home built by another carpenter some 2,000 years ago.

He is survived by his son, Thomas (Danielle), his sister Lorene, and a grandson who every day reminds his family that he’s a chip off grandpa’s block.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel, 8300 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be shared at bedfordfuneralchapel.com.