Earl Lewis Thomas, 87, of Onalaska, WI passed away at home on January 25, 2025. Earl was born March 7, 1937, to the late Roy and Elsie (Bowyer) Thomas.

He graduated from Colorado Springs, CO High School in 1954. In his early career, Earl was a member of the Seabees, where his love of construction began. He worked in the drywall business in Colorado, Nevada and California before moving to the Midwest. He married Judy Miller on July 23, 1970, in Onalaska, WI.

He founded Thunderbird Decorating Ltd., a drywall and painting business that same year. He was also a business partner in the T & E Paint Store. Thunderbird Decorating continued until 1980 when due to his love of fishing, he opened Thunderbird Marine, Ltd.

Earl enjoyed many fishing trips up north (especially on Flambeau Lake) with his fishing buddy, Joe. He would also be out on his boat or pontoon for many hours at a time. Occasionally taking his grandkids fishing and treating them to his legendary pickled-pimento loaf sandwiches and cold hot dogs. He had his favorite sayings like “that’s finer than frog hair”. Going out for morning coffee with his “coffee club” buddies were a favorite pastime of his. Earl always had a joke for every occasion, and he had a gift to be able to talk to anyone, anywhere he went. He enjoyed being around his family, going to family reunions, traveling, and warm, sunny weather. He loved to talk about the weather.

He is survived by his children: Bryan (Balorie) Miller, Craig (Donna) Miller, and Lori (Steve) Becker; his grandchildren: Stephanie (Jeremy) Cares, Matthew Miller, Ryan (Summer) Miller, Jared (Falon) Miller, Rachel (Ryan) Swieter, Sarah (Bryan) McGaffey,
Abbi (Ian) Beck, Nathan (Artina) Becker, Joshua (Emily) Becker; his great-grandchildren: Carter, Eliana, Audrey, Hunter, Haylee, Jeremiah, Jesse, Jayda, Jedidiah, Judah, Hezekiah, Ezekiel, Khloe, Harlow, Piper, Isaiah, Gabriel, Naphtali, Nevaeh, Nadiah, Hadassah, Nehemiah, Brinley and Landon. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Sharon (Duke) Geng, and brothers-in-law
Tim (Lori) Irish, Mike (Terry) Irish, and Dan (Mary) Irish, his special friend Bev, and long-time fishing buddy, Joe Bond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Judy, and grandson Jordan Miller.

The family would like to thank the Ona Terrace staff in Onalaska for all of their help and kindness to Earl in the past years, he truly enjoyed his time there.

A Private Service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be mailed to:
Craig Miller
N6727 L Nelson Rd
Holmen, WI 54636

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Please visit CouleeCremation.com