Mr. Thomas L. Erbes, ages 56 of Grant, died Sunday, September 21, 2003 at his residence in Ashland Twsp.. He was born Thomas Lee Erbes in Grand Rapids, the son of Hilda Pauline (Raymond) and Elmer Earl Erbes on May 20, 1947. He married Denice Leone Byers on March 25, 1972 in Bailey, Michigan. He was a Saw Gummer for Federal Mogul Powertrain Systems, Sparta, until 2000 was a member of the River Valley Community Church in Newaygo.  Mr. Erbes served in the Air Force from April 11, 1966 to October 16, 1969 when he was discharged as a Sgt E4.

He is survived by his wife Denice Erbes, his children Chad Erbes and Amanda Bull both of Newaygo, his grandchildren Nicholas Bull and Ashlee Erbes, his mother Hilda Erbes of  Grant, his brothers & sisters Paul & Norma Erbes of Casnovia, Steve Erbes of Santa Anna, CA, Dan Erbes of NM, his mother-law LaVona Ostwald of Grant, his brothers & sisters-in-law Gary & Shirley Byers of AK, Marcia Puite of Grant, Ray Byers of CA, Shirley & David Bazzett of Grant, and several nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P. M. from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Thursday, September 25, 2003 with Pastor Dan Mead officiating.  Interment will be in the Ashland Center Cemetery near Grant with military honors under the auspices of the VFW Post #4249 of Newaygo. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 7-9 P. M. Wednesday. For memorials please consider Hospice of Michigan-Newaygo Co..

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com