Howard Thomas

Howard Thomas (Chases The Buffalo)passed away on July 29, 2025 at home in Missoula, Montana. Howard was the 5th child of Albert & Annabelle Thomas and was born January 31, 1957, he was 68 years old. Howard was raised in Havre,Montana until the family moved to Hays, Montana in 1970. After graduating from Harlem High School, he decided to go out on his own and left home. He lived in Billings and ended up in Missoula, where he lived until his passing. Howard was a dedicated Hays/Lodgepole Thunderbird fan and after moving he still traveled to see the team play at tournament time. He was a wildland firefighter in Hays and Missoula until his health decline. But that didn't stop him and he was a recycler, which he did for 30 odd years which provided the income to live in Missoula. He was a dedicated Price is Right fan and watched it every day. Howard enjoyed playing machines in the local Casinos. He enjoyed traveling to pow wows with his common law wife Karen, especially to Crow Fair, where his Aunts & cousins live on his dad's side.

Howard is survived by his siblings, Louis, Frank, Eric, Judy, Myrtle and Doris. Even though he had no children, all his nephew's children were his grandchildren in Missoula. Howard had numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins on the Thomas side and the Lodge side. 

Howard was preceded in death by his father, Albert, mother Annabelle, brother, Charles, grandfather, Louie, nieces Leandra, Ranae, Jamie & Joyce. His nephew, Brian. His common law wife Karen Scheaffer. Extended aunts, & cousins in Crow and Fort Belknap.

Howard will be greatly missed, he is with his Mom & Dad at peace, no longer suffering. Howard will be remembered always by his surviving family & forever loved.  

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