Claude Willis Thayer

Claude W. Thayer; of Oxford; age 84; passed away peacefully on May 10, 2017.  Claude is the beloved husband of the late Frances, with whom he spent 60 ½ years of marriage and 2 ½ years together as high school sweethearts; and the loving father of Claude Thayer Jr., Rose (Lynn) Siegers, Gail Ferguson, Diana (Greg) Fleming and Dawn Dunfee (Smitty).  He is also survived by his companion Cara Reeder; 17 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and many great great grandchildren.   On July 5, 1974, on a picnic table under a shade tree, Claude and Frances began the New Life Church of God in Oxford.  From 1977-1979 they spent time in Kenya doing Missionary work.  Following Claude’s retirement, a new chapter began with ministry at the Cass City Living Word Church of God and later with nursing home and senior ministry.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 11am at the New Life Church of God in Oxford, with Mark Kalfayan officiating.  The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-8pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Lake Orion.  Interment Lakeville Cemetery.  www.sparksgriffin.com.