Fred G. Thomas 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 2 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 below.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Fred and his family.
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Scott Smith says
My deepest condolences to Linda, Paul, and Lisa. Thinking of you at this time.
Dana & Marty Salusso says
So sorry to read of Fred’s passing. Please know we are thinking of all of you.
Joyce Kuecks says
Ron and I send love and prayers to Linda and family. Fred was a wonderful person.
Richard Riley says
Sending condolences to Family.. Dick and Carole(Grant) Riley
Mike Bowman says
Linda and family – Extending our sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and father. He was a nice friend and excellent doctor. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Julie and Mike Bowman
Jeni says
Sending all my sympathy and strength to you all. Linda, Paul, Lisa, and the entire family I am sorry for your loss.
Jeni Salusso Nichols
Karla Bailey says
To Fred’s Family,
He was a very good guy & good friend.
We played golf together at our Butte High reunions & enjoyed good conversations.
Godspeed, Fred!
Love ❤️,
Karla Chandler Bailey
Napa, CA
Dr. Dan Farren says
Fred and I were partners in an Optometric practice for over 25 years. He was a good doctor who cared for his patients. We worked together without trial or tribulation. He will be greatly missed. I send my sympathy to Linda, Paul, Lisa and the entire family.
Susie and Bill Rowling says
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Kim, and Thomas family. Dr. Thomas was a great guy and will be missed by all.