Wilson Charles "Willie" Coomer

Wilson Charles "Willie" Coomer passed away August 19, 2024, at Barton Woods Assisted Living Freeland, at the age of 92. He was born in Mt. Pleasant on December 24, 1931 to the late Claude and Ida (Sage) Coomer. Many will remember Willie by his giving spirit and love for people. He started giving blood in 1977 with the Saginaw Valley Blood Program. Later, he served as the Executive Director of the Ernie Wallace Memorial Blood Bank. His blood bank board service started in 1992 after his retirement from Dow Corning Corp after 37 years. In total, Willie has personally donated 79 gallons of blood which has helped many in their time of need. Additionally, he was involved with the Buddy to Buddy program and volunteered as a camera operator for MCTV as needed.

After joining the Michigan Army National Guard in 1949, Willie was federalized to serve during the 1968 Detroit Riots. He retired from the National Guard in 1988 as SFC grade E-7. He was also with the Individual Ready Reserve until 1991. Willie joined the American Legion in 1967 where he served as Post Commander with Midland Post 165 and as District Commander for a total of six years. He was honored to serve as the Grand Marshall in the 2018 Midland Memorial Day Parade. Willie was also Chairman of the State Legion Scholarship and Education Committee. Most recently, Willie served with the Midland Area Veterans Honor Guard giving proper burials to the families of Midland County service members.

In his spare time, Willie enjoyed golfing, bowling, and ice fishing. He also like to exercise at the Midland Community Center with the Silver Sneakers.

Surviving Willie is his wife of 66 years, Lita Lorraine (Krick) Coomer; children, Craig Coomer, Faith (Richard) Lakso, Gail (Leonard) Switras and Charity McPherson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Darren) Kraenzlein, Melissa Shoesmith, Angela Lakso (Tristan Kittle), Eric Young, Rose Marie (Tyler) Kenny, Amanda (Kent) Seaman, Stephanie McPherson; and 8 great grandchildren.  Willie is also survived by a brother, Robert Coomer.  Willie was preceded in death by his grandchild, Jeremiah Lakso; siblings, George Coomer, Benjamin Coomer, Liston (Alex) Coomer, Virgil Coomer, and Alice Hetherington.

At the request of Willie's family, please do not wear anything scented such as perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, strong cleansers as it can be detrimental to someone's health.

Funeral services for Willie will be conducted by Chaplain Teal Saylor at 11:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2024 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640. Military honors under the care of the Midland Area Veterans will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Monday at the Salt River Cemetery (Coe Twp) which is located on S. Shepherd Rd. about one and a half miles south of Shepherd. Visitation will be on Sunday at the funeral home from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the wishes of the family.