Ronald W. Thomas, age 77, passed away early April 15, 2024 with his wife at his side.
Ron was born October 17, 1946 in Kalispell, MT to Vincent E. Sr. and Veronica Thomas. Near the age of one, they moved to Hysham, MT, where he was raised with his other five siblings. Ron attended Hysham Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1965.
He made Hysham his home, only being absent while serving his country with the U. S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. As a member of the Seabees, Ron participated in the recovery of the Apollo 10 mission. He was immensely proud of his military service.
Ron was married to Kathleen Harper on July 22, 1979 in Big Timber, MT. They would have been celebrating 45 years of marriage this summer. With this marriage, he became a loving father to daughter, Stacy L. Harper. His household of girls increased with Sarah Christine being born on December 25, 1981 and Stephanie Kay on October 11, 1984.
He was a loving man and a dedicated father, attending any and all of his daughters’ extracurricular activities from classroom events, music concerts to sporting events. He was especially proud of the fact that all three daughters graduated as the High School Valedictorian and then from Montana State University and are now engaged in medical professions. Ron was known for his video recording of all of these events.
Ron enjoyed woodworking, his train collection, and hunting and camping with family and friends. He had a great love for the outdoors. But above all, Ron enjoyed watching and being with his grandchildren, Austin, Logan and Sophie. He was lovingly known as “Papa”.
Ron was very dedicated to the Hysham Community having served on the Treasure County Ambulance, the Hysham Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, the Treasurer County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s for 12 years, the Treasure County Search and Rescue, Treasure County Cable TV and Translator Board, the American Legion Post 92, and the Hysham City Council. For many years, Ron would climb the Hysham water tower and put up the famous Christmas Star.
Ron would drop everything to help a neighbor in need. You could usually find him at the Friendly Corner having coffee with the other “Homeless” crew, or in later years at Wes’s Retirement Center.
Along with Gary Fjelstad, Vince Thomas, Ron was instrumental in having roller skating at the Sanders Gym for the youth of Treasure County, included were the Top Tunes! He also enjoyed helping with the preparation of the many ice skating rinks in Hysham for many years.
Ron was a Hunter safety instructor for over 46 years, guiding many youngsters in the shooting sports. Part of that was active involvement in the development and operation the Treasure Shooting Association and their facility at Myers.
When Ron returned from the Navy, he was employed by various local farmers and ranchers, the Farmer’s Union, and Mid Yellowstone Electric Co-op. In 1978, he began working in the telephone industry, retiring from Range Telephone in 2010, retiring after thirty years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen of 44 years; his daughters Stacy Cole (Gary) of Albany, OR; Sarah Thomas of Boise, ID; and Stephanie Thomas (Russ Easley) of Billings, MT; Grandchildren, Austin Cole, Logan and Sophie Easley. He is also survived by his siblings, Judy Myers (Ron) of Omaha, NE, Rich Thomas (Linda) of Tooele, UT, Vince Thomas (Kathy) of Billings, MT, Debbie Klessens (James) of Cody, WY, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Veronica Thomas, his brother, Bob Thomas, niece Miranda Thomas, and son-in-law, Ben Wilber.
Memorials may be made to Treasure County Hunter’s Education, Treasure County Ambulance or the charity of your choice.
Shelly Chandler says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Hugs and prayers.
Gayle Muggli says
My condolences to the entire family. The Thomas’s were childhood friends of ours and my parents and grandparents had many memories from years in Sumatra as well.
Sue Gallo says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Many great memories of Ron and Kathleen. Sleep overs at their house, making Christmas candy and them chasing the Bonneys all over the state (along with most of the rest of Hysham!) I am the proud owner of a couple of those famous video tapes! Hugs to all of you.
Lulu Belle Newman Schield says
I am so sorry to read this. In my thoughts and prays. So sorry again!
James Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Ronald. I spent time with him at the hunter education instructor workshops. May God bless you with the best of memories now and always.
The hunter education program has lost a fellow instructor and a great member of our program.
Kimberlea Emmons says
My heart aches for you all. I have many happy memories of trips all over the state for softball games and tournaments! Ron and Kathleen never missed being there. The best seat in the house is his now. God Bless you and keep you close during the hard moments.
~Kimber
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Our deepest sympathy Kathleen to you and your family. Ron was a true family man but also made time to serve our community in so many positive ways. Take care.
Judi and Myles Van Hemelryck says
Thomas family, we were sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a great guy. Always willing to help the Hysham community in any way he could. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was very obvious of his love of his girls, and he and Kathleen have every reason to be proud of the family they raised.
Carolyn and Dave Bakker says
We are so sorry for your loss.
JUDITH MCPHAIL says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ANOTHER HYSHAMITE IS NOW MISSING. GOOD FRIENDS WITH COLIN AND I. HE WILL BE MISSED. STACY, SARAH, AND STEPHANIE I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND KATHLEEN IT IS A SHOCK AND HARD TO HAVE A PIECE OF YOUR LIFE MISSING. HUGS TO ALL OF YOU.
JUDY
Cindy bainter says
So sorry for the loss of Ron. He was always a happy face in the crowd. All will miss his smile
Nancy White says
He was a second father to me. My deepest condolences to the family, Kathleen, Stacy, Sarah & Stephanie. Hugs! Nancy
Cindy Stephenson says
Our condolences. May the perpetual light shine upon Ron & grant him eternal peace.
Bill and Cindy Stephenson
Dee Hert says
Thomas family, our condolences to the extended family. I have many fond memories of time in Hysham and all the great community members. It takes a village to create a positive environment and Ron certainly showed the way.
Jack and Kirsten (Belgarde) Crocker says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ANOTHER HYSHAMITE IS NOW MISSING. HE WILL BE MISSED. STACY, SARAH, AND STEPHANIE I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND KATHLEEN IT IS A SHOCK AND HARD TO HAVE A PIECE OF YOUR LIFE MISSING. HUGS TO ALL OF YOU.
Randal Bailey says
Ron, as a long term friend, you will be missed.
Kathleen stay strong.
Ginger (Watson) Guderjahn says
Sorry to hear about Ron. He was such a wonderful person. He helped me with a few science projects and I was so grateful.
Hugs to you and the family.
Rob Stephens says
Ron was a very good employee for Range Telephone. He had such a good attitude and was always smiling. I was unable to make his service so I will be making a donation out of my respect for him. My prayers go out to his family.