Edward Thomas, age 70, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 near Belcourt, ND.

Edward Roy Thomas was born on July 5, 1953 in Roundup, Montana to LeRoy Thomas and Corma Theresa (Belgarde) Thomas.  He was raised in Belcourt and completed his education in Flandreau, SD.  Edward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1978 and received an honorable discharge in 1984, serving as a sniper/sharp shooter during his service. Edward was united in marriage to Sylvia Church.  He worked as an artist and gifted carver throughout his life.  Edward was an award-winning artist for this stone artwork through Great Plains Tribal Arts in South Dakota.  He was not only gifted in stone carving but wood carving as well.

Edward was the proud father of a daughter, Brenda and grandfather to Tyler, Thomas, and Hawk. He also loved is great grandchildren dearly, Jacob, Johanna, and Jack Jr.  He was a jack of all trades and member of the Louis and Clark Reenactment that traveled across the country, which he loved to do.  Edward enjoyed dancing at Pow-wows and spending time with his family.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his family members and many friends.

Edward is survived by his daughter, Brenda Weston-Penny of Decatur, NE; grandchildren, Tyler (Jack Crawford) Rambeau of Flandreau, SD, Thomas Sage Penny of Decatur, NE, and Hawk Penny of Decatur, NE; three great grandchildren, Jacob Fisherman, Johanna Crawford, and Jack Crawford Jr.; siblings, Clifford (Tina Church) Thomas of Decatur, NE, Leo (Karen) Thomas of Decatur, NE, Lyle (Shirley) Belgarde of Belcourt, Leona Thomas-Hinders of Williston, Jeanette Thomas of Belcourt, Russell Belgarde of Belcourt, Marla (JR Delorme) Belgarde of Belcourt; Godchild, Donna DeCoteau of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Corma (Belgarde) Thomas, wife, Sylvia Thomas, brothers, Dale Thomas and Gerald Belgarde, sister, Carla Belgarde, and son-in-law, Joel Penny.

Casket Bearers are Clifford Thomas, Lyle Belgarde, Leo Thomas, Jack Crawford, Napoleon Frederick, and JR Delorme.  Honorary Bearers are all family and friends and Mike Charette.  Reader is Cindy Gourneau.  Eucharistic Gifts by Clifford and Tina Thomas. Music by Jerry Parisien, Craig Lunday, and David Blake Azure.  Military Honors by the Lilley-Dionna American Legion Post 262 of Belcourt and the Military Honor Funeral Guard of Fargo, ND. Drum Group will be Spirit World.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  A meal will follow services at the KC Hall, Belcourt, ND. Father Michael Slovak presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.