Thomas Rex French

Thomas Rex French,76, passed away May 24, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada due to injuries he sustained in a pedestrian/vehicle accident.

He was born November 26, 1939 in Malta, Montana to Nathan and Cora (Baker) French.

Thomas joined a family of three brothers, Frank, George and Bill, two sisters, Cleone and Rhoda. Later, James and Susan were added to the family. Thomas attended elementary school at the South Wagner School and graduated from the Malta High School, Malta, Montana in 1957. He participated in many activities during his high school years, even a class play. After graduating, Thomas taught from 1958-59 at the Second Creek School,1959-1960 at the Bowdoin School all in Phillips County, Montana.

Thomas attended the University of Montana where he received his certification as a Certified Public Accountant. He worked as a CPA in both Montana and Washington. His love of numbers and organization took him many places, including American Somoa. A loyal Griz fan, he followed the U of M sports teams all of his life.

In Las Vegas he frequented, Torrey Pines, a pub where he watched the Griz games and other sporting events. The people there truly enjoyed his company.

In 1961, Thomas joined the United States Army. He was attached to the Pentagon, NATO and in France to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). He became an accredited stenographer. He received the Joint Services Commendation Medal for Exceptionally Meritorious Service in 1965.

Thomas enrolled in the Arthur Murray School of Dance while in the service. He thoroughly enjoyed dancing.

Thomas married Charlotte Purvis in 1963, they later divorced. To this union a daughter, Holli Francene, was born.

In 1968, Thomas married Bonne Boeholdt. They became the proud parents of Crystal, born in 1971, and Julie, born in 1972.

Thomas and his family traveled on many wonderful vacations always seeming to get off on side trips.

Thomas is survived by his wife; Bonne of Missoula, Mt., daughters; Julie (Jeff) McDonald of Missoula, Mt., Dr. Holli F. French of Melbourne, Florida. Brother, Bill (Corky) French of Malta, Mt.; Sisters Susan Johnson of Missoula, Mt.; Cleone (Bob) Lake of Roseburg, OR.; Brother-in-law, Allen Crowder and sister-in-law, Winnie French both of Malta, Mt.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Nathan and Cora French, brothers; Frank, George, James and sister Rhoda Crowder; two brother-in-laws, Monte D. Johnson and Lewis Hasbrouck. His beloved daughter, Crystal passed away in 2004 from a long struggle with Lupus.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at Trafton Park, Malta, Mont., at 11 a.m.