William G. Thome, 79, of 1144 Ortman Road, Harvey, entered eternal life early Saturday morning, August 5, 2006, at home, after a short battle with cancer. Bill was born in Zanesville, Ohio, September 21, 1926, the son of Orville H. and Beatrice (Harvey) Tom. Bill joined the Navy at age 17, and while serving during World War II, received training as an aircraft communicator. Following enlistment in the Navy, Bill graduated from the Meredith Business College with a degree in accounting. On July 17, 1949, he married Mary McNerney and they set about establishing their home and raising two children.  In 1977 they moved to Marquette where he became the chief of the FAA station as an air traffic controller at the Marquette County Airport, retiring in 1982. Bill was a member of the Lake Superior Christian Church and a former member of the VFW Post 1058, Zanesville, OH.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ruth (McNerney) Thome, of Marquette; one daughter, Denise Thome, of Marquette; one son, William (Cindy) Thome, of Stevens Lake, MI; two grandchildren, Bonnie (Bob) Derocher, of Rapid River and Lindsay Thome, of Avon, CO; two great-granddaughters, Hailey and Kacie Derocher, of Rapid River; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Clint Gordon Thome, of Stevens Lake.

Honoring Bill’s wishes private services will be held. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1400 South Carpenter Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801, in Bill’s name. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone for their prayers and support during Bill’s short battle with cancer.