Obituary of Billy E. Thomas

Billy E. Thomas (65) longtime St. Maries, ID resident, died October 9, 2014 at his home in St. Maries. He was born January 14, 1949 to Elijah and Micky (Overman) Thomas at Campbell County, Kentucky. Billy spent his early years in Kentucky and moved to California with his family while he was still a boy. He attended school in California where he was an all-star wrestler. Following high school, Billy worked in North Fork, CA in a saw mill. After working there for a while, Billy was laid off and decided to re-locate to St. Maries where he went to work for Regulus Stud Mills, Inc. Billy worked as a Planer Millwright and Set-Up for many years. Billy went to work for Charlie's Saw Shop following Regulus. He married Linda Bebee in 1999 at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. Billy retired from St. Maries Saw and Cycle in 2011. Following his retirement, Billy enjoyed hunting riding 4-wheelers, and gardening. He also enjoyed shooting guns and spending time with his family and friends. Billy was a member of St. Maries Eagles Aerie # 2012 , The National Rifle Assn. and at one point in his life, he coached little league in St. Maries. Billy is survived by his wife Linda at the family home. Sons and daughters-in-law Bill and Misty Thomas, Dirk and Melissa Mauro and son Terry Swam all of St. Maries, Eric and Michelle Thomas of Missoula, MT, Chris Weare of Coeur d' Alene, and Bill and Bonnie Swam of Emida. His daughters and sons-in-law Chrissy and Dale Asher, Diane and Jim Lounsbury, and Vickie and Gary Schwartz all of St. Maries. Angel and Mitch Donohoe of Medimont and daughter Terrie Derry of St. Maries. Also surviving are his brothers Tom Thomas of Tacoma, WA and George Thomas of Mariposa, CA. sisters Betty Jo and Dwight Finger of Citrus Heights, CA, Joyce and Jerry Lynch of Mariposa, CA and Patricia Hernandez of Chicago Park, CA he is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. at 5:00 p.m. at Hodge Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Friday, October 17, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Maries with a potluck gathering of family and friends following back at the Eagles Lodge. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Billy Thomas's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.