Frederick H. Thomas Jr.

Died May 23, 2024

NORTHPORT – Frederick Harry Thomas Jr., 85, of Northport, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

Fred was born May 23, 1939 in Saginaw, the son of Frederick Thomas Sr. and Pricilla (Besaw) Thomas. On May 6, 1967 at the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ he married Sharon Lee (Verreau) Thomas who preceded him in death on May 10, 2018.

Fred held a life long love of sports. In high school he played running back for Northport High School Wildcats football in the days that helmets had no facemasks. He played catcher during baseball and guard during basketball for his Wildcats. Fred enjoyed his Detroit Tigers and Lions, the Wolverines and Boston Celtics. Fred served his community on the Leelanau Township Board and brought the sewer system to the Village of Northport.

He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, and would take his kids to Drummond Island to cast a line. Fred worked his entire life and was a master tool and die repairman. He worked tool and die in Flint and moved his family to Northport and worked at Cone Drive. He also worked for Kal Excavating, Wentworth Company, was a carpenter and well into his senior years he had his own lawn service.

Fred is survived by two sons, Kevin A. Thomas, Frederick H. Thomas III, two sisters, Barbara (Larry) Richmond, Patricia Richards; and a sister-in-law, Margot Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 51 years, Sharon; a sister, Judith (Dale) VanWormer, a brother, John A. Thomas, and a brother-in-law, Jeff Richards, and a niece, Danielle Campeau. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport. Private family burial will be held in Leelanau Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.