Earl Thomas "Tom" Spedowski, age 76 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, July 11th at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 1, 1945 in Stanwood, son of the late Joseph and Catherine (ONeill) Spedowski. Tom overcame numerous obstacles with his health over the last 25 years, surpassing all medical expectations. He was one of the strongest people youd ever meet and his spirit will continue to touch all that knew him. He is survived by Janet (Scarbrough) Spedowski, his beloved wife of almost 30 years; his 2 daughters, Brenda (Scott) Ferguson of Castle Pines CO, Emily (Phil) Liabenow of Cadillac; 2 step-children, Steve (Sandy) Larie of Big Rapids, Janelle (Aaron) Holsworth of Big Rapids; 15 grandchildren (who fondly called him "Papa Tom"); 5 great-grandchildren; 11 siblings, Louise Spedowski, Robert, Ernest (Hilda), Dorothy Miller, Doreen (Dewayne) Yarrington, Edward (Dorothy), Barbara (Wayne) Cornell, Henry (Vicky), Beverly Strait, Bonnie (Bill) Burden, and John (Jayne); sisters-in-law, Eleanor Spedowske, Lois Spedowski; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by two brothers, James Spedowske and Richard Spedowski, and three sisters. Tom graduated from Morley Stanwood High School in 1964 after spending his youth working on the farm with his large family. After graduation, he packaged butter at the Creamery in Big Rapids, which earned him enough money to buy a 65 Plymouth Fury. He said he picked that car because "he was a kid and he wanted something new and fast". His car was also powerful, and he even used it to pull a trailer to move cows for his family. After 2 years at the Creamery, he was drafted into the army and served in Vietnam. He signed up for heavy equipment but was assigned to be a cook because of his experience at the Creamery. He was stationed at a hospital base in Ben Hoi, Vietnam, where he prepared meals for the engineers and doctors who were treating injured soldiers that were flown in on helicopters from the front lines. He loved frying "made to order" eggs for 200 men per day and baking cinnamon rolls and donuts. Toms army base was attacked several times by the Viet Cong and he was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4 (equivalent to Corporal) having earned Rifle Marksman and Sharpshooter badges. Tom was able to pursue his interest in heavy equipment when he joined the Mecosta County Road Commission where he plowed snow and maintained roads. He served as Union President for Mecosta County Public Employees for 5 years. After driving county trucks for 22 years, he became a mechanic and built and repaired the trucks for 9 more years. With no formal education as a mechanic, he quickly learned on the job and was nicknamed "Sparky" by his co-workers. He built 35 trucks for the county and was proud that none of his welds ever broke. He was so good at his job that he was asked to go to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to meet with the manufacturer of the truck cabs and advised them on how to make their trucks more durable. Tom retired from the road commission in 2000 after serving 31 years. He then began his second career where he got to pursue his lifelong passion of woodworking. With no advertising and pure word of mouth, Papa Toms Woodshop took form. Tom built custom furniture made to order for friends, family and new acquaintances who had seen his work. He also built beautiful custom cabinets, hope chests, jewelry boxes, barn-wood picture frames, wooden toys, lawn decorations, and anything else someone could dream up. He used his woodworking and welding skills to build large wagons and his carpentry skills to help people renovate their homes and build on additions. Rarely charging much more than the cost of materials, Toms passion for his craft shined through in every creation. As much as he loved woodworking, Tom also enjoyed driving his tractor, gardening, fishing and trains. He was always willing to lend a hand to a family member or friend that needed help with something. His grin was contagious and his love for his family and sense of humor will definitely be missed by those that had the opportunity to get to know him. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, July 16th at Hope Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Duane Feldpausch officiating. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service. After the ceremony, family and friends are welcome to join the procession to Pine Plains Cemetery, where Tom will be laid to rest. A luncheon will be held after the cemetery at noon at the Eagles in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, Tom would like memorial contributions to be made to his wife, Janet. Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Visitation Friday, July 16, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Hope Church 14200 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Funeral Service Friday, July 16, 2021 10:00 AM Hope Church 14200 Norhtland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307