Leo often said “Heaven is my home; I’m just here on a visit.” After a good long visit, the Lord called him home on December 28, 2015. Leo was born on July 31st, 1926 to Elmer and Florence (Fitzsimmons) Thomason in Lisbon, North Dakota.
He was the 4th child born into a family of 10 children. He attended school in Lisbon, including a few years of college. He made his first trips to Montana with his brother, Tommy, working for the Conservation Corp. In 1953, he made the “Big Sky” of Montana home.
In the summer of 1954, he met a little redhead at Young’s Bar and Cafe. Leo and Anna danced their way into marriage on June 4, 1955. Life happened for 60 great years. You would often catch them holding hands and stealing a kiss.
In the fall of 1958, they packed the truck, loaded up the milk cow, and moved to Locate. For the next 16 years, The Wagon Rod Ranch was home. Six kids joined the family and many great memories began. He always made sure there was time for fun. Together, they built a swimming pool, and in the winters, an ice skating pond. He was a leader of the local 4-H Club for many years.
In 1974, they moved to Miles City. Leo went to work on the Hook Ranch and tried his hand at farming for the next few years. After that, he helped out at Econo Lumber building trusses, sheds, or whatever the job called for. His favorite job started in his retirement when he and Anna babysat their grandsons, Dylan and Cooper.
Leo was very involved in the Catholic Church after moving to town. He loved helping with the Easter service and having his grandkids help him with Stations of the Cross. Some of his best times involved camping with his grandkids and cheering them on at numerous sporting events.
He was a man of great faith and quiet strength who through his example taught his family what life is about.
He is survived by his wife Anna, their children Terry, Cheri and her children Jeni McRae; Janelle (Nik) Muggli and their daughter Macy; Jason (Kristee) Ridenour and their children Beka, Belle, and Brody; Jared Thomason, Kerry (Dorothy) and their children Kristen and Matt; Kevin (Steph) and their sons Anthony (Katie) and Terrell (Shana); Val (Mark) Griffith and their daughters Amber, Ashley, Andrea (Nate) Meiers and their daughter Aubree. Niki (Doug) Munroe and their children Dylan and Cooper, and brothers Mike (Joanie); Terry (Florence); and sister Rita and numerous other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Manny, Toots, Tommy, Short, Mary Lou, Stub.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Vigil and Rosary service will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for the Riley Addition or to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 30, 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 30, 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
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Pat jones says
We are so sorry for your loss,God be with you at this time,love Alice Petersohn,Ken and Pat Jones.
jackie bremer says
Ann and family so sorry for your loss I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless
Keith and Cheryl Fuhrman says
May your memories help you get through this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeana & Syra Brock says
So sorry for the loss to your family. It sounds like he lived a blessed life. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jackie O'Reilly Crowley says
I was lucky enough to grow up right across the street from the Thomason family and I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. He was such a kind man, full of fun and full of patience!! I still remember when he hung saddles on hooks from the garage ceiling so Niki and I could “ride horses”. He always had a smile and a kind word & was just so fun to be around. He leaves behind a legacy of a wonderful family and I hope all your memories help to bring you peace in the days ahead. Love and prayers to you all!
Carol Larsen says
Dear Ann and family, Our family wish you comfort only God can give these days.
My best memories are many years ago when your sister Bev and I spent alot
of time together and having fun with you and Leo too. Love Carol Larsen
Mary ann says
In our thoughts and prayers always; love to the family. Mary Ann and Dick
Maureen Larson says
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a wonderful man and may your memories give you strength during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rollie and Deanna (Hanratty) Topp says
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Dee Dee
Jenny Pierce and Mable Lane says
Ann tis little reading help me a lot when Gen passed. I hope it helps you also.
Death is nothing at all; I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you; Whatever we were to each other ,that we still are. Call me by my old familiar names, speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference into you tone, wear no force air of solemnity or sorrow, Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Life means all that is ever meant. It is the same as it always was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. I am but waiting for you , for an interval somewhere very near, just around the corner …..ALL IS WELL.
Ken Ridenour says
Sorry for your loss. Leo was a great man, will be missed by many.
Prayers and thought to all
Joan Leinwand says
Niki and your family. Sending my condolences.
Brady and Jodi Stone says
Niki and family. So sorry for your lose. We are thinking of you. Stoner
Norman Willson says
Norm Willson says:
I have known Leo for many years. We were neighbors at Locate. He was one of the hardest workers I have ever known except maybe his brother-in-law. If all the posts that he has set were in a straight row it would make quite a long fence.
My regards and God bless.
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
We are keeping you all in our prayers during this difficult time. May your memories keep him present in your hearts and minds forever. Hugs to all.
Karen Kirkpatrick Ahlgren says
Sending warm thoughts and prayers to Lee’s family. As kids, Lee was always our favorite. He was kind and funny, and we loved being around him. Always loved going to Locate when you were living there. I have enjoyed seeing your FB pictures, Ann. He obviously had a wonderful family. Love to all of you.
Higgins Family. Wade, Doug says
Sorry for your loss.
Diane Welbes says
Ann and family–So sorry for your loss Leo was such a great man–I was always in awe of he & Ann when they walked they always held hands. I had the luck of having some of the kids in school and cherish that time. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you all. Sorry I couldn’t make it to services. Take care.