p"Coach Thom" died unexpectedly at his home on November 14, 2016 in White Lake Township, MI at the age of 73.12px;"Thom is survived by his wife, Donna Wrathell; children Derek (Tanya) Wrathell and Ryan (Katy) Wrathell; grandchildren Madelyn Wrathell and Cadence Wrathell; siblings, Sandra McClelland; Donald (Deanna) Wrathell and John Wrathell. He is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Mary Wrathell; siblings Clayton Wrathell, Tootie Monohan, and Betty Slingerland.12px;"Thom was born on September 14,1943 in Ferndale, MI to Clifford and Mary Wrathell. He married Donna, his beloved wife, in 1970. At a young age, Thom began working for General Motors where he was a dedicated foreman with over 30 years of service. Thom and Donna welcomed two children into their home Derek and Ryan. His children remember him as a kind and gentle father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and aspirations.12px;"Thom was an accomplished tennis player and Coach at Lakeland High School. He was well respected by parents and students alike. Many of his students remember him as a loving Grandfather figure who never gave up on them. He took pride in the children he taught and always spoke highly of them.12px;"Thom was rich with knowledge and love, yet so humble. Seldom do you meet a man who knows so much about the world. He devoted much of his time to studying religions and languages of the world.