Thomas E. Lee

Thomas E. Lee was a man of quiet strength whose life was rooted in his Catholic faith, his devotion to his family, and a passion for the outdoors. On December 26, 2025, Thomas passed away at the age of 76, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and a 55-year love story that began an ocean away.

While serving in the Army at SHAPE in Mons, Belgium, Thomas met Addolorata (Dora). In a whirlwind romance that spanned languages and cultures, Thomas learned French to win her heart, and they married only six months later. Together, they built a life centered on their shared faith. Thomas’s commitment to his community and the Church was a cornerstone of his life, notably through his service as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

Thomas was a man who led by example. Whether he was active in his parish or volunteering as a Master Hunter Safety Instructor in Colorado, he took pride in passing down his knowledge and values to the next generation. His happiest moments were spent with his wife, Dora, and his children, Greg and Heather. Together, they shared countless hours in the woods and by the water as Thomas passed on his lifelong skills and love of hunting and fishing.

A lifelong fan of John Wayne and classic Westerns, Thomas long admired the rugged landscapes and timeless values of the Old West. This admiration, paired with a deep desire to be closer to his grandsons, fueled his ultimate goal to call Montana home. In September 2025, that dream became a reality. While his time under the "Big Sky" was short, his family finds peace knowing he reached the place he always wanted to be.

Thomas is reunited in peace with his parents, Harvie and Nola, and his sisters, Donna and Judy. He leaves behind a large, loving family who will remember him every time they cast a line or head into the field: his wife, Dora; his children, Greg and Heather; and his brother, Harvie. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Nicholas, Christian, and Jace, and his great-grandson, Sawyer.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on January 23rd at 12:00 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bozeman. Thomas will be laid to rest with military honors at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery in Helena, Montana.