Thomas “Tom” Bovee, 86, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006 at the Grand Traverse Pavillions.
Tom was born in Traverse City on Jan. 31, 1920, to William and Mildred (Champlain) Bovee. On Feb. 22, 1941, Thomas married Elizabeth “Betty” J. Williams.
Tom was a graduate of Traverse City High School and was a life long resident. He and Betty wintered in Ocala, Fla.
Tom bravely served his country during World War II from 1943 until 1945 as part of the United States Navy Sea Bees Battalion #106. He was station in the Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok, Iwo Jima and Japan.
Tom and Betty owned and operated two motels; The Surf Side in Acme and the Sierra Motel in Traverse City. He was also employed at Michigan Bell for 39 years and retired in 1976.
Tom attended Asbury Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge #264, Royal Arch Masonic Lodge #102 and Cherryland V.F. W. Post 2780, and a member of the Elks Lodge #323, Pioneer Club and Communication Workers of America.
Tom is survived by his wife Betty; son, John (Helen) T. Bovee of Traverse City; daughter, Sandra (Tad) L. Figgatt of Lake Mary, FL; granddaughters, Jami Carney and Kathrin Szurgot; and great grandson, Tommy Alverez, all of Florida.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Bovee; sisters, LaVerne Bovee and Betty Olsson; and brothers, Lloyd C. Bovee and William R. Bovee.
Memorial services celebrating Tom’s life will be Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at 10am at the Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home. The Ref. Dr. Jeremy Williams will officiate.
Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.