Thomas L. Bilan

Thomas L. Bilan, 69 years, of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at his home. Born May 1, 1949 in Toledo, Ohio, Tom was the son of Leon and Alice M. (Labun) Bilan. Tom grew up in Petersburg and was a 1967 graduate of Summerfield High School where he was an All State Football Player. He received many football scholarships and decided to attend Western Michigan University. He attended Monroe County Community College and was a 1973 graduate of Wayne State University’s School of Mortuary Science. On January 9, 1970, Tom married the former Mary Rachel Banek, whom he always called “His Bride”, at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe. Fr. Hugo Noetzel was the celebrant. Tom began working at Earle Little Funeral Home (now Bacarella Funeral Home) in 1969. After completing his apprenticeship and graduating from Wayne State University, Tom passed the state and national boards and in January of 1974 received his license to practice The Art of Mortuary Science. Tom co-owned the funeral home from 1978-1986. He then bought H.J. Schmitz and Son’s. He was also a self employed mason for many years. Tom was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where at one time he was an usher and very active in the Men’s Club and was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, where he helped run the fish fries during Lent. He also coached kid’s basketball for both. Other memberships included; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Monroe County Rod and Gun Club, and the Newport Sportsmans Club. Tom was a former member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association and served as President of District 2. Tom enjoyed watching his grandchildren at SMCC football games, hunting, cooking, and collecting all kinds of stuff. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family. Tom is survived by his beloved bride of 48 years, Mary Rachel, three loving children; Thomas J. (Leah) Bilan of Monroe, Jennifer J. Fleck of Monroe, and Rachel E. Bilan of Belleville, six cherished grandchildren; Justin and Luke Bilan, Nathan, Mary Catherine, and Jared Fleck, and Elizabeth Mary Hindbaugh, his mother; Alice of Monroe, and three siblings; Diane (Bill) Sahloff of Maybee, Bonnie Cremer of Paw Paw, IL, and Richard (Michele) Bilan of Erie. He was preceded in death by his father and his father and mother in law Emil and Josephine Banek. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. On Saturday, October 27, he will lie instate at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church from 9:00 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 10:00 AM. Fr. Philip Ching, pastor of the church, will be the celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Thomas L. Bilan

May 1, 1949 - October 23, 2018