Herbert George Thomas

Herbert “Herb” G. Thomas, 79 “Wiyaka Wanjina” (One Feather) of Fort Totten, ND died early Saturday morning, September 13, 2008 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fargo with his loving family at his bedside. The Wake for Herb will be held at the Crow Hill Recreation Center, rural Fort Totten on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Traditional Service for Herb will also be at the Crow Hill Recreation Center on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547. The Procession to the Crow Hill Recreation Center will leave the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Serving as Casket Bearers for Herb will be Jerry Mudgett, Bentley GreyBear, Marty Alex, Branden Thomas, Joel Dunn and Adrian Thomas. Honorary Bearers will be: Jose Lawrence, Cletus Lawrence, Veryl Graywater, Art Thompson, Solomon Sherman, Raymond Sherman, Duane Guy, Cornelius Kirk, Francis “Frenchie” Brown and Daniel G. Cavanaugh Jr. Herbert George was born on July 15, 1929 at rural Fort Totten, ND the son of Michael and Rosalie (Littlewind) Thomas. He was raised on the Spirit Lake Nation and attended the St. Michael’s Mission School and later Fort Totten High School where he played basketball and was a Golden Glove Boxer-Herbert “Wildcat” Thomas. Herbert entered the United States Army on October 12, 1950 and served his country during the Korean War. He served with the 24th Infantry as a scout in North Korea and fought valiantly for his country. After his Honorable Discharge on January 6, 1952, he returned to the Fort Totten area. He was united in marriage to Caroline Gray and to this union were born three children, Lorey, Wesley and Patricia. They established their home in St. Paul ,MN and Herbert began working for the Armour Meat Company. He lived and worked in St. Paul until he was transferred to the Denver, Colorado Armour Company and retired from Armour after over 30 years with the company. He returned to North Dakota and worked at Sioux Manufacturing for a time and then attended Little Hoop Community College and received his certificate in Carpentry. He then worked in the Building/Maintenance and Grounds Department at Four Winds School for 8 years. This time when Herb retired he was able to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes. He began to raise and care for horses and spent many hours teaching his grandchildren to ride and to appreciate the beauty of nature and the beauty of horses. In Herb’s earlier years he was a bronc rider and enjoyed playing Moccasin games, which he later taught at Four Winds School. While living in St. Paul he tried to never miss attending a wrestling match and watching the Minnesota Vikings on TV. He even got his mother to enjoy All Star Wrestling. These past years, Herb loved to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championships and enjoyed attending and watching his grandson compete in the local mixed Marshall Arts fights. Herb did strive to be as independent as possible, but he cared deeply for his family and friends. He was very supportive and proud of all the activities of his grandchildren and even taught his grandson the fine art of boxing. As he fought this final fight, his family gathered around him and the love shared will be forever in their hearts. Herbert is survived by his children, Lorey Thomas and Wesley Thomas both of Fort Totten. Grandchildren: Branden Thomas, Joel Dunn, Darika Thomas, Leandra Thomas and Daris Jetty. Nine Great Grandchildren Sisters: Christine Thomas-Alex and Lorraine GreyBear. Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Preceded by his parents; daughter, Patricia Thomas and a son in infancy; a grandson; brothers, Arthur Thomas and Richard Thomas; sisters, Laura Thomas and Lillian Thomas-Mudgett.