Gary E. Thomas

Gary E. Thomas, professional musician, beloved Flandreau native, and loving husband to Renee moved on to his next journey on Tuesday December 26th, 2023.
Gary was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 2, 1935. Gary loved his family, friends, his country, and his animals. He attended Flandreau High School, earned a B.F.A. from the University of South Dakota and his master's from Mankato State University.
Sargent First Class Gary E. Thomas also had a long and very distinguished military career. He served in both the United States Air Force and the Army. He proudly served for a total of 22 years. He was very decorated with many accomplishments. One of note was when Gary was the Commandant of S.M.Y.L.E (Summer Music Youth Learning Experience) in which he initiated, organized, and administered a summer music program for over 100 area high school students and fellow staff members of the 215th Army National Guard Band out of Fall River, Massachusetts. This was an impactful educational experience for all involved that earned Gary the Army Commendation Medal.
Gary's impact was also felt in his musical performances as well as his passion for music education. Gary put his Master of Arts degree to great use with a very distinguished music career as a veteran trombone player that extended well beyond 215th Army Band. Before that he was in many bands playing in the backup orchestras of Peggy Lee, Jose Feliciano, and Jackie Vernon to name a few. He performed with many Orchestras and big bands around the world alongside many first-class musicians for many years. He wrapped up his musical career as the leader of his own Gary Thomas Big Band based in the New England area where he would finish the night up with singing a wonderful rendition of "On the Sunny Side of the Street".
Sharing his gift of music was important to Gary and was reflected in his amazing teaching career. He was band director at numerous schools across the country. A music instructor at such colleges as Sioux Falls College and Southeastern Massachusetts University. One of his greatest teaching successes was at Old Rochester Regional High School in Rochester, MA, where his high school went on to win many awards and led to Gary winning a Citation for Excellence from the distinguished Berklee College of Music.
To say Gary loved his animals would be an understatement; all the pets through the years he loved dearly and spoiled them. None more than his beloved horse K-bar which brought out the cowboy heart in Gary and was one of his best friends.
He leaves behind his wife Renee Thomas. (Neprud) and his daughter Amber Thomas and fiance Micheal Amarantes, his son Troy Thomas and wife Gretchen and their three children Madison, Logan, and Caden. Gary was extremely proud of his three grandchildren and their accomplishments. Gary was not prone to bragging but was sure all three of his grandchildren would be presidential candidates. He is also survived by his brother Jay who resides in Lubbock, Texas.
Services are private. In remembrance of Gary, we ask that you just let music into your heart as Gary would have liked.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Nancy Thomas (Griffin), father, Ernest Thomas, mother Elsie Thomas (Tatro), brother Jordan, and sister Joyce.