Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Theodore 'Ted' Thomas

GILLETTE, Wyo. - Memorial services for Theodore "Ted" Thomas will be held at 11 a.m., today, Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Gillette Memorial Chapel, Gillette, with Pastor Gordon Harper officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at Ruff's Bar in Rozet.

Thomas, 74, of Rozet, died Nov. 8, 2016, at the University of Colorado in Denver after heart complications. Ted was born July 23, 1942, in Gile, Wis., to Edmund and Louise Thomas.

Ted grew up surrounded by four brothers and sisters, Bill Thomas, Annabelle O'Brien, Tom Thomas and Mary Lynn Muckavitz.

He joined the Army Aug. 11, 1959. He was stationed in numerous locations throughout the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia, including Okinawa, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, as well as serving two tours in Vietnam.

He served in several aspects of aviation, including crew chief for Vice President Hubert Humphrey during his term in office. His military career ended in 1981 at the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7. The family then moved to Gillette. He went to vo-tech school for diesel mechanics, working for Cresent Electric and L&T Fabrication. Then he finally retired in 2005.

Ted married Caroline Holma on Jan 28, 1961. To this union Leslie Jo was born in Arizona, Mike was born in Alabama and Tom was born in Neuremberg, Germany.

Ted enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, woodworking and spending time with his family and friends.

He was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation for more than 20 years and was very proud to deliver one of his handmade turkey calls to Governor Matt Mead this last summer. His handcrafted woodworking abilities were loved by all and he was known throughout the state of Wyoming and surrounding areas. He was a member of the First Cavalry Division for many years.

Ted is survived by very special friend, Patsy Poeling; daughter, Leslie Davis (Jim Sautner); sons, Mike (Kris) Thomas and Tom Thomas; granddaughter, Kaycee (Nick) Jones; great-granddaughters, Samantha, Dakota and Kayleigh Jones, all of Gillette. He is also survived by brothers, sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, in 1998; grandsons, Levi Davis, in 2005, and Michael Jr., in 1995; his parents and twin siblings.

Interment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to benefit the Cowboy State Chapter of the First Cavalry Division Association. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY. Condolences may also be sent via the web at walkerfuneralgillette.com.

 
 
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