Thomas Ralph Dunlop's Obituary
Thomas Ralph Dunlop, age 74, of Rodney, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Tom was born January 31, 1951, in Niles, Michigan, the son of David and Eleanor (Horton) Dunlop. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Horsehead Lake, a place that would become his lifelong home and the heart of his stories, adventures, and cherished memories.
On May 28, 1971, he married the love of his life, Barbara Crouse in Sylvester, Michigan. Together, they built a home and raised their family by the lake they loved. For 20 some years Tom worked for Tower Automotive as press operator and union president.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Tom lived a life filled with a love for the outdoors and instilled that love to his sons. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed riding in his ranger, and spent many years as a charter boat captain, guiding others across the waters he knew so well. Known as “Uncle Tom” to just about everyone on the lake, he had a magnetic personality and a deep well of stories—usually told more than once, and always with a new twist. His great sense of humor and gift for storytelling made him the life of every gathering.
If there was something going on around Horsehead Lake, Tom was there laughing, talking, and sharing a good tale. He was truly a social butterfly and an outdoorsman through and through.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Barb Dunlop; his sons, Thomas (Mindy) Dunlop and William Dunlop; grandchildren, Harlee and Dawson; brother, Bill Dunlop; sister, Marilyn Filley; and many dear nieces and nephews, including Dave Dunlop, Terri Stonhouse, Dave Haywood (Cheryl), and Mike Haywood (Leah). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dave Dunlop.
A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Mecosta. In honor of Tom’s memory and his love of the outdoors, the family invites you to plant a tree in his name.
Tom will be remembered for his warmth, laughter, and the countless memories he leaves behind on the shores of Horsehead Lake.
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