Richard William Thomas

Richard W. Thomas, 87, of Missoula, Montana, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

Richard was born on February 2, 1939, in Anaconda, Montana, to Richard and Virginia Thomas. At the age of four, he was lovingly adopted by his aunt and uncle, William “Bill” Thomas and Freda Mae Thomas, who raised him in Anaconda and remained his devoted parents throughout his childhood.

After graduating from high school, Richard joined the Montana National Guard before proudly serving in the United States Army. Stationed in Germany, he served in a MASH unit as a carpenter. Following his military service, Richard settled in Denver, Colorado, where he became a licensed plumber.

While living in Denver, Richard met Lynda Lee Thomas. They were married and together had four children: Rick, Diana, Bill, and Karen.

In 1977, Richard and his family moved to Missoula, Montana. In 1978, Richard and Lynda founded Thomas Plumbing & Heating, operating the business from the garage of their home. The company grew from a small family operation into the business that continues to serve the Missoula community today. Richard and Lynda later divorced.

His commitment to fellowship was evident in the many organizations he faithfully supported, including the Masonic Lodge, the Shrine, the Scottish Rite, the Eagles Lodge, and the Elks Lodge. He cherished the friendships he formed through each of these organizations and believed that serving others and building community were among life’s greatest rewards.

Outside of work and service, Richard enjoyed golfing with friends, working out at The Peak Fitness Center, cheering on Grizzly football, and faithfully following his beloved Denver Broncos.

Later in life, Richard found companionship with Jeanette Flaten, with whom he shared 30 years.

Richard is survived by his beloved companion of 30 years, Jeanette Flaten; his children, Rick Thomas and his wife, Stacy, and their children, Danielle, Brandon, and Rhiannon; Diana Nulliner and her husband, Larry, and their children, Jenna, Brent, and Emily; Bill Thomas, his partner, Kim McMahon, and his children, Hannah, Madison, and Morgan; and Karen Hanson and her husband, Jerry, and their daughters, Jasmine, Mackenzie, and Reganne. He is also survived by his chosen family, Nick Kammerer and his sons, Tanner and Kadin; many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his biological parents, Richard Thomas and Virginia Ingraham; his adoptive parents, William “Bill” Thomas and Freda Mae Thomas; his first wife, Lynda Lee Thomas; his brother, Michael Coolbrith; and many treasured family members and lifelong friends who welcomed him home.

Services

Interment with military honors will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

A memorial service will follow at 12:00 noon at Garden City Funeral Home, with a reception immediately afterward.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they celebrate Richard’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Clinic in Missoula, Montana, or to Shriners Children’s Spokane, in honor of Richard’s lifelong commitment to Freemasonry and helping children.