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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
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Fred Thomas Obituary
Fred G. Thomas, O.D., 80
May 14, 1942 – February 17, 2023
BUTTE - Fred G. Thomas O.D., passed away on February 17, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was born on May 14, 1942 in Anaconda, MT to Frederick Edwin and Florence (Giles) Thomas. The family moved to Butte when he was 3 years old. He attended Webster Garfield Elementary School and graduated from Butte High School in 1960. He lettered in football and basketball and was a Boys State Delegate. After high school, he served in the army reserves at Fort Ord, California. He then attended MSU for pre-optometry. He earned his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. It was here that he met his future wife, Linda Little. He returned to Butte to begin his optometric practice. They were married at Gold Hill Lutheran Church on August 12, 1967. They had two children, Paul and Lisa.
Fred enjoyed many activities including golf, softball, bowling, skiing, boating, fishing, and snowmobiling. He enjoyed watching his children's and grandchildren's events as well. He was a member of Silver Bow Kiwanis and Butte High Silver B's. He served on the boards of Salvation Army and Housing Authority. He was on the trust committees at Gold Hill Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Butte Emergency Food Bank.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Edwin "Eddie" and Florence Thomas; sister, Deborah Wieser; grandparents: Edwin and Annie (Scott) Thomas and George and Helen (Anderson) Giles; and Linda's parents: Edward and Gladys (Strope) Little.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Thomas, their children: Paul and JoElla Thomas, Lisa and Matt Nowak; grandchildren: Bryce (Isabelle Ralph), Jayden (Kaylee Sweet), and Logan Thomas; and sister, Kemera Thomas; and brother-in-law, John Wieser. He is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A celebration of life will be at a later date.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Fred, please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Thomas
Sponsored by Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services.
Tom Walund
February 22, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Fred was an all around good guy.
George Foley
February 22, 2023
FRED WAS MY " EYE GUY " FOR YEARS AND MADE ME LAUGH EVERY TIME I VISITED HIM. HE LECTURED ME TIME AND TIME AGAIN ABOUT WEARING MY CONTACTS SIXTEEN HOURS A DAY. AFTER HE RETIRED HE FOUND OUT THAT I HAD DAMAGED MY EYES AND HE SAID.......I CAN'T REPEAT WHAT FRED SAID IT BUT WE BOTH HAD A HUGE LAUGH. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS. FRED WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM.
Carol Adamo
February 21, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the Thomas family. May God bless and comfort you in your sorrow.
Pat and Patsy Callahan
February 21, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss
Always consider Fred a good friend and man
Sending hugs and prayers to Linda and family
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Mazie Stocker Webb
February 21, 2023
Fred and I were classmates at BHS and friends. He remained the thoughtful and very kind guy. I´m sorry for your loss. He has accomplished so much good.
Mazie Stocker Webb
Dale Fellows
February 20, 2023
Loved you as a friend and teammate. Dale Fellows
Ron Little
February 20, 2023
Sorry for the pain and loss to all the family members. Words cannot express the many lives that have been touched by his kindness. Fred will be greatly missed by his family, but never forgotten. He leaves quite a legacy to all his family members. Words cannot express the many lives that have been touched by his kindness. I know my life was. Remember and continue to tell the many great stories about Fred. One of many I remember, how he was upset about dents on Linda's car doors, thinking it must be from car doors in parking lots. Come to find out it was him, when he opened his door in the garage into Linda's car. I was proud to have him as a brother-in-law. He was a very great person, just like his dad, Ed was.
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