Thomas Blashill

Thomas P. Blashill, 84, of Traverse City, Michigan died Friday, July 17, 2020.

Tom was born on October 27, 1935 in Detroit, the son of William and Marguerite (Dunn) Blashill. He married Shirley Stevens on April 27, 1957 in Detroit and she preceded him in death on October 29, 2009.

Tom was in the Naval Reserve from 1957 to 1961. He was an officer with the Detroit Police Department from 1964-1969. He and Shirley then moved to Traverse City where they purchased Ben’s Bar which later became The Black Lantern. They sold the restaurant in 1975. Tom returned to law enforcement when he joined the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department in 1975 and retired in January 1996. He was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Church and Elks Lodge #323 for more than 38 years. Tom was also a member of the East Bay Volunteer Fire Department and sang in the Traverse City barbershop choir.

Tom enjoyed reading, golfing, gardening and woodworking. He was an avid fisherman, who especially enjoyed fishing on East Bay and charter fishing with family aboard the Cutter in Leland. After retiring, he and Shirley spent many winters in Leesburg, Florida. Tom had a great sense of humor, was full of wit, and had a lifetime of experiences to share.

Tom is survived by his 7 children: Cathy Cook of Traverse City; Tom (Margy) Blashill of Downers Grove, Illinois; Susan DeLoache (John) of Dallas, Texas; Carol (Mike) Macia of Encinitas, California; Mary (Mark) Poniatoski of Williamsburg, Michigan; Chenina Stevens of Traverse City; Trish Wiltse of Traverse City. 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren with 3 on the way; brother Jim (Rosemary)Blashill of Traverse City; sister Mary Kay (Dick) Manjerovic of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Dolores Blashill of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin grandsons, Justin and Joshua Cook; brother William Blashill and sister Judy Parkinson.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 pm, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Life Story Funeral Home, where only 50 people may be in the room at a time, 400 W. Hammond Road, Traverse City. Funeral mass at 11:00am, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church, 308 N. Cedar Street, Traverse City. Masks are required at both locations. Memorial contributions to Food for the Poor appreciated. (foodforthepoor.org) Visit lifestorytc.com to share a memory.