Matthew Gene Thomas

Matthew Gene Thomas passed away at the age of 52, on September, 24, 2023, in his sanctuary. He was enjoying what he loved most, surrounded by the mountains with his best friend Travis Lowell.

Matthew was born on Oct. 8, 1970, in Billings, Montana. He graduated from Skyview High School in 1990 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 1998, after eight years of service, he was honorably discharged and started his career as a diesel technician and fabricator. Later on, he continued his work with the Motor Power Equipment family.

Throughout Matt’s life, many looked to him for guidance and friendship. He may have been a man of few words and kept his circle small, but he would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Not only was he an avid outdoorsman, but he was a jack of all trades. Matt was always caring and protective in his own way. He enjoyed spending time fishing and camping with his family, and he will forever be known as Pawka Matt by his grandchildren.

Matt is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Thomas, of 31 years of marriage; his daughters, Jessie Thomas, Tiffany Nolan; and his grandson Walker Nolan and granddaughter Stevie Nolan; his stepmother, Kathy Kittleson; brothers Lance (Rebecca) Pinnow, Jeffrey (Lindsey) Thomas and stepsister Stacy Thomas; his nieces and nephews, Heather and Ally Pinnow, Gabby Paterson, Seth, Linlee, and Fisher Thomas, Mclaryn O’Neil and Morgyn Ditty; followed by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Gene Thomas and mother Nancy (Larry) Pinnow; grandparents Gottlieb and Gwendylon Bonogofsky; grandparents Matt and Cecilia Thomas; and beloved sister JoAnn Paterson.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, Montana.

Interment with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Yellowstone National Cemetery, 55 Buffalo Trail Road Laurel, Montana.

The celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Park City Civic Center, 21 Second Ave. W., Park City, Montana.