Thomas "Tom" George Howk

Thomas "Tom" George Howk, 81, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024 at his home. 

He was born January 2, 1943 to Ford and Geneva (Johnson) Howk in Plainwell, Michigan. He grew up in the Augusta area, attending schools in Galesburg and Hickory Corners. He later moved to Marshall, where he had lived for the past 52 years.

Tom grew up learning about cars at the family business, Howk’s Body Shop, in Augusta, from his dad and brother, James. Tom attended Wolverine School of Trade in Detroit where he honed his engine building and mechanical skills. After trade school, he joined Wolverine Motor Supply in Marshall where he ran the machine shop. He then worked as a mechanic and truck driver for Calhoun County Road Commission for 26 years, retiring in 2002. 

Tom married Patricia K. Leverton in 1967, who passed in 1972. He married Sally Marie Maher in 1972 in Galesburg, who passed in 1999. 

In the late 1960’s, he and his brother bought and restored a 1953 Ford F-100, which was one of many classic cars he owned, restored and/or drag raced over the years. Tom was proud when the F-100 won best of show in the F-100 Super Nationals at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1996. He won many other trophies for the classic cars he owned and restored over the years. He was an Inspector for the National Street Rod Association and enjoyed going to car shows and watching television shows that were car related. Tom was a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge and founded a car club with his friends named The Decent Car Gang. Tom loved animals, especially dogs, and he also raised several orphaned raccoons in his younger years.

Tom is survived by his children, Corby (Nancy) Howk of Albion, Michigan and Joy Dally of Surf City, North Carolina, his dogs Tiny and Itty Bitty, several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James Howk, and a wife, Donna Howk.

Visitation for Tom will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Erin Fitzgerald officiating.

Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to animal rescue: Pawsibilities Rescue (2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076; www.pawsibilitiesrescueec.org). 

Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.