February 21, 1937 – September 30, 2023
Pastor Duane Gary “Mr. T” Thon of Davison, age 86, died Saturday, September 30, 2023 at his residence.
Duane was born in Saginaw, Michigan on February 21, 1937, the son of the late Herbert and Iva (Enszer) Thon. On September 23, 1993 he married Dorothy Mulherin in Toledo, Ohio. He was the Pastor at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Glenford, Ohio and at West Michigan Avenue United Methodist Church in Saginaw. He was a member of Saginaw Masonic Lodge #77, the Scottish Rite in Bay City and the Davison Kiwanis Club. Upon retirement, he pastored at Unionville United Methodist Church and Kilmanagh United Methodist Church. He spent 24 years serving as Pastor.
Duane was always very dapper in his appearance. He enjoyed gardening, kayaking, feeding the birds and traveling. He traveled to all 50 states and all over the world. He loved chasing waterfalls with his wife. Duane was the historian for the Thon and Enszer families and was in the process of writing a book about the family. Pastor Duane will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; children, Christy (Russell) Sommers, Lisa VanOchten and Kevin (Jackie) Thon; and 9 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Cliff, Paul, Raymond and Doris.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 4-8 pm at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 pm. Visitation will also be held at 10 am on Thursday at Swartz Creek UMC until the time of the service.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church, 7400 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Reverend David Mulherin will be officiating. A burial will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Swartz Creek United Methodist Church and Hilltop Church of God.
Condolences may be shared online at Swartz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Swartz Creek United Methodist Church and Hilltop Church of God.
*Thon, Duane G. (Dorothy) – [(RE) LP 1997; PM 1998; FE 2000; RE 2007] Saginaw: West Michigan Avenue, Sheridan Avenue 1997; Saginaw: West Michigan Avenue 9/15/2005; Retired 2007.
Last Updated on October 4, 2023