Date of Death: May 13, 2025
Service Details
In accordance with family wishes, cremation has been conducted; no services are planned at this time.
Obituary Notice
Bruce Alton Thomas, of Three Rivers, passed away on May 13, 2025, at Sparrow House in Sturgis.
He was born on June 14, 1945, in Lake Odessa the son of Bernard and Uceba (Daniels) Thomas and graduated from Midland High School.
Bruce earned Master Degrees in Education and Counseling at Western Michigan University and worked in the counseling field while living in Three Rivers. In 1979 he married his soul mate, Jeanette Roberts. They began their life together on the Eastern Montana prairie, where he held his first position as a school Principal. His dream came true when he achieved his goal of living in the mountains in Helena, MT, where he had thirty successful years in the field of education.
Upon retirement, Bruce worked for a Wilderness Habitat Rescue where he helped care for baby wildlife, such as bobcats, bears, mountain lions and a variety of birds. This was his favorite job of all time! He and Jeanette each rode a Harley and traveled thousands of miles every summer with friends, visiting memorable places including Vancouver and Nelson, Canada, and the southwest United States.
Bruce was one-of-a-kind! A strong, quiet man with a dry sense of humor. He loved nature, astronomy, chocolate, and dogs, especially his little dog, Sophie.
Remaining to cherish his memory, are his wife, Jeanette; his son, Jason; four bonus-children, Stacy, Kim, Penny, and Jamie; several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law – Lowell and Jane, Douglas and Marge; sister and brother-in-law – Bernadine and Gene Car; and bonus-daughter, Lisa.
“Not gone ~ just waiting at the end of the trail.”
Additional Information
Memorial donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
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Dear Jeanette and Family,
There is void in the world since Bruce left us. He was a great principal and friend that made a difference in so many people’s lives. He was a straight shooter who called it like he saw it. His word was golden because he did what he said he would. We might not have agreed with him, but at least we knew where he stood. As a teacher in Clancy School I knew that Bruce had my back and supported me. That support, along with his open mind, allowed me to help make the curriculum at Clancy something special that no other schools had, including field trips for golf, scuba diving, rappelling, airplane flights, over-night camp outs, hiking to the summit of Mount Helena, and over-night stays for State Science Olympiad, to name a few. When I approached him about a two-day volleyball tournament on Friday and Saturday, instead of saying it’s impossible, he encouraged me to reach out to other schools and see if there was interest and support. We ended up having the Annual Clancy School Invitational Volleyball Tournament, which brought 25+ teams to Clancy, for over 15 years!
He was a great disciplinarian and really wanted children to learn. If a student was being disruptive, so that they and other students couldn’t learn, the student was removed from the classroom and there was a consequence which usually changed that student’s behavior. 🙂
He was a friend who I enjoyed playing pool with, and I rarely won!
Rest in peace dear friend, the world is a better place because of your influence and devotion. Love ya buddy!
Bruce Thomas was my principal at Clancy Elementary School for my 13 years of teaching. I can’t express enough the impact he had on my life. Bruce ran a tight ship at Clancy Elementary and we were the best school around because of this. He believed in his teachers and backed us up 100% of the time. He believed in me and helped develop my teaching skills. I remember one summer, when teachers returned to Clancy to prepare our rooms for the students, Bruce chased my two little girls down the hallway with a super soaker. My girls laughed and laughed and knew they had a friend in their principal. I am a better person today because of Bruce. You will be truly missed, Bruce. You left a legacy of Excellence at Clancy Elementary.
Mr. Thomas was my principal for 8 years in Clancy, MT. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model or someone to look up to. He was always an absolute gentleman even as a kid in trouble. RIP Mr. Thomas, I’ll look up to you always.
My Dear friend , My thoughts and prayers are with you . Remember the laughs and shared love . Love you lady , lorrie
Ms. Jeanette, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing he’s finally at rest.
Our sincere condolences
Jeanette and family, My deepest condolences to all of you! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. God bless you and your family!
We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce played such an important part in our lives while my kids attended Clancy School. We all loved him!
Uncle Bruce was the best bad-ass uncle! I loved him fiercely.
Always helping, so caring, and loved hearing him laugh.
You will be forever loved, and missed.
Dear Kim and family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in in knowing that there are friends who share your loss. Life changes; love does not. Hugs🙏🏽❤️
Jeanette and family,
I loved talking to Bruce… he definitely had a dry sense of humor… and a twinkle in his eye… and a small turned up smile when was enjoying a joke, observation, or conversation. You all have my sympathies and prayers as you go through this tough time. But, I know you will also have fond memories of Bruce to tide you over and comfort you both now and in the future.