Alec T. Gary
Manager & Licensed Funeral Director
Alec T. Gary is a proud 4th-generation funeral director from Gladwin, Michigan. Encouraged by his family, he began working at his local funeral home at a young age. While excelling in athletics throughout school, Alec balanced his studies with hands-on experience in the funeral industry. After graduating from Gladwin High School in 2012, he attended Mid Michigan Community College and later earned a Mortuary Science degree from Wayne State University in 2016. Committed to continuing his family’s legacy, Alec serves those who trust his care. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching baseball, golfing, and spending quality time with his family. In 2024, Alec joined the Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes family, where he, along with his colleagues, strives to uphold a tradition of service excellence and compassion, helping families in Big Rapids, Barryton, Mecosta County, and surrounding communities.
Alec T. Gary
Manager & Licensed Funeral Director
Alec T. Gary is a proud 4th-generation funeral director from Gladwin, Michigan. Encouraged by his family, he began working at his local funeral home at a young age. While excelling in athletics throughout school, Alec balanced his studies with hands-on experience in the funeral industry. After graduating from Gladwin High School in 2012, he attended Mid Michigan Community College and later earned a Mortuary Science degree from Wayne State University in 2016. Committed to continuing his family’s legacy, Alec serves those who trust his care. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching baseball, golfing, and spending quality time with his family. In 2024, Alec joined the Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes family, where he, along with his colleagues, strives to uphold a tradition of service excellence and compassion, helping families in Big Rapids, Barryton, Mecosta County, and surrounding communities.
Amber Thomas
Office Manager & Family Care Specialist
Amber was born and raised in Bushnell, Florida, where she developed a deep sense of community and care for others. After graduating from South Sumter High School in 2010, she began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, drawn to the field by her natural empathy and desire to serve those in need.
Following 11 meaningful years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Amber re-entered the workforce in 2021, bringing with her a renewed sense of purpose and compassion. In the winter of 2023, she and her family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Big Rapids, Michigan, and make it their home. That fall, she joined Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, where she now serves as Office Manager and Death Care Specialist. In this role, Amber is committed to providing families with warmth, respect, and heartfelt support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mother of three, Amber finds joy and inspiration in the simple pleasures of life. She loves hiking with her family, reading, writing poetry, and spending quiet moments with her beloved cat, Nyx. Her strong values of family, creativity, and genuine connection shine through in both her personal and professional life.
“I feel like my journey thus far in life reflects resilience, compassion, and my deep-rooted belief in the power of kindness—and I strive to be a presence that brings comfort and dignity to every family I serve, no matter their background, race, or religion. We all deserve respect, love, and care during some of the most difficult moments of our life.“
Amber Thomas
Office Manager & Family Care Specialist
Amber was born and raised in Bushnell, Florida, where she developed a deep sense of community and care for others. After graduating from South Sumter High School in 2010, she began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, drawn to the field by her natural empathy and desire to serve those in need.
Following 11 meaningful years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Amber re-entered the workforce in 2021, bringing with her a renewed sense of purpose and compassion. In the winter of 2023, she and her family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Big Rapids, Michigan, and make it their home. That fall, she joined Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, where she now serves as Office Manager and Death Care Specialist. In this role, Amber is committed to providing families with warmth, respect, and heartfelt support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mother of three, Amber finds joy and inspiration in the simple pleasures of life. She loves hiking with her family, reading, writing poetry, and spending quiet moments with her beloved cat, Nyx. Her strong values of family, creativity, and genuine connection shine through in both her personal and professional life.
“I feel like my journey thus far in life reflects resilience, compassion, and my deep-rooted belief in the power of kindness—and I strive to be a presence that brings comfort and dignity to every family I serve, no matter their background, race, or religion. We all deserve respect, love, and care during some of the most difficult moments of our life.“
Kayla Michael
Family Care Specialist
Kayla grew up in rural Montcalm and Mecosta Counties where she studied and performed music for several years. In 2021, she left home to study social work at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. There, Kayla worked as a supervised visitation monitor at Child and Family Services. After earning her associate’s degree from NMC, Kayla returned to Big Rapids to complete her social work studies at Ferris State University. Kayla has worked extensively within the local court system with the probate process and justice-involved youth. Upon her college graduation in May 2025, Kayla wished to gain full-time employment in a different field of work. Her partner, Jacob, a part-time employee of Daggett-Gilbert, suggested Kayla reach out to Amber and Alec to see if they needed help. Kayla began her full-time position as a family care specialist on May 19, 2025.
Kayla is a warm, cheerful person who takes pride in serving others with respect and empathy. She and Jacob recently purchased their first home, and they are kept busy daily with renovations. Jacob and Kayla can often be found at the local fire station where Jacob serves the community, or at home with their three fur-babies: Duke, Willie B, and Alfalfa.
Kayla Michael
Family Care Specialist
Kayla grew up in rural Montcalm and Mecosta Counties where she studied and performed music for several years. In 2021, she left home to study social work at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. There, Kayla worked as a supervised visitation monitor at Child and Family Services. After earning her associate’s degree from NMC, Kayla returned to Big Rapids to complete her social work studies at Ferris State University. Kayla has worked extensively within the local court system with the probate process and justice-involved youth. Upon her college graduation in May 2025, Kayla wished to gain full-time employment in a different field of work. Her partner, Jacob, a part-time employee of Daggett-Gilbert, suggested Kayla reach out to Amber and Alec to see if they needed help. Kayla began her full-time position as a family care specialist on May 19, 2025.
Kayla is a warm, cheerful person who takes pride in serving others with respect and empathy. She and Jacob recently purchased their first home, and they are kept busy daily with renovations. Jacob and Kayla can often be found at the local fire station where Jacob serves the community, or at home with their three fur-babies: Duke, Willie B, and Alfalfa.
Lonnie Deur
Associate
Lonnie Deur
Associate
David Fast
Associate
David Fast
Associate