Melvin (Bud) Thomas

Melvin (Bud) Thomas was born on April 30, 1935, and passed away at the Libby Care Center on June 20, 2025. 

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Irene Thomas and his sister Fern Siegle of Cody, Wyoming.

Melvin (Bud) left behind a lifetime of memories, love and laughter.

Dementia slowly took its toll, but family and friends will always remember the man he was - husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, son, brother and friend.

Melvin grew up on a farm on Iron Creek, just outside of Troy, Montana.

Melvin married the love of his life Martha J. Thomas on June 25, 1955. He was drafted into the Army in 1958 and served until 1960. Melvin and Marta lived most of their lives on Lake Creek Road in Troy, Montana. He and Marta (Joan) also lived briefly in Renton and Auburn, Washington, for a few years while Bud worked at Boeing. 

Melvin spent most of his career working for Lincoln County as a heavy equipment operator based out of the county shop in Troy.

Melvin spent his spare time logging, fishing, walking in the woods around his home, and making “tractors” and other useful equipment from broken down trucks he found around the county.

Melvin is survived by two sons Mark Thomas of Troy, Montana and Randall C. (Paula M.) Thomas of Spokane, Washington; grandson Aaron Thomas; granddaughter Amanda Thomas, great-grandsons Austin, Evan and Sunny; and great-granddaughter Korbyn Thomas.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at the Troy Elementary Gymnasium. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnakenbergfh.com.