Andrew Lee Thomas

Andy was born in Butte, MT July 1, 1951 to Raymond Keith Thomas and Laura Gertrude Glennon and moved to Billings in 1965.

In high school, Andy played basketball, football, track, and legion baseball. Andy’s senior year was one for the record books. He was honorable mention all American in football. All-state, all-conference, all-city, and state champion with the Billings Central Rams. He shared the record for most touchdowns, 13, with his cousin Bill Glennon.

In basketball, Andy was captain and all-conference with the Rams. In track, Andy was the high-point scorer in divisional and state track meets, setting school records in the long jump and triple jump. In the state championships, Andy set the state record in the triple jump. In baseball, he earned all-state honors in center field as well as a state championship. Andy went to Junior College in Pasco, WA for two years. In his second year, they won the season championship, with Andy catching the game-winning touchdown.

The summer of 1971, Andy signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Mets, playing on a minor league team in California for one season.

Andy moved back to Billings and switched to slow-pitch softball, joining the perennial state champions, Bucks Bar. He continued softball for many years, also playing with the Tigers.

Andy loved to golf. He looked forward to his annual trip to Arizona to play with multiple friends and his sons-in-law. Throughout his years, he got two holes-in-one. He enjoyed golfing with anyone willing, playing many rounds with family and friends.

 As proud as he was of his accomplishments in sports, he was proudest of his family.

Andy met the love of his life, Elna, and they married in 1976. They had three daughters and eventually seven grandchildren. Andy enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at sporting events. He loved to travel with Elna and the kids. Anything to do with family was his favorite, even if it meant just running errands together. He was always willing to take the grandkids for ice cream, even on cold days. Andy also loved hugs.

 Andy is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary Williams, and his grandson Bridger Tormaschy.

 Andy is survived by: his wife, Elna Thomas; daughters, Amanda (Ken) Wiederien, Alycyn (Travis) Tormaschy, and Alexis (Brian) Buss; grandchildren, Quinn and Clair Wiederien, Ryder and Zoee Tormaschy, and Brienna and Braden Buss; Stepmother, Shirley Thomas; siblings, Tracy (Wanda) Thomas, Terry (Wendy) Thomas, Tyler Rick Thomas, Dan (Lisa) Williams, Barbara (Bill) McNeely, Linda (Dwayne) Chilton, Sandy Williams; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

 A memorial service will be held 11 AM Friday March 14, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, we would love for you to give someone a hug, play a round of golf, or watch a sporting event.