Fred Thomas

Fredrick John “Fred” Thomas, 87, passed away in a local care facility on Monday, August 26, 2019.

Born on May 10, 1932 to John and Stella Thomas in Dayton, Ohio, Fred was the owner and operator of Honeycutt Furniture Store from 1955 until 1988. He became a permanent fixture of the McNeese Cowboy football team in the 1970’s and will be remembered for his enduring dedication to the Cowboys. He was a member of the MSU Cowboy Club, serving as President in 1978 and 1979. He served as Assistant Equipment Manager from 1990 and was named to the MSU Hall of Honor in 1991. Fred was either in the press box or on the sidelines for McNeese football games for 256 straight games.

Aside from the time he dedicated to McNeese football, Fred enjoyed playing golf, feeding the birds in his back yard, and eating Blue Belle ice cream. He will be sorely missed by many, and most especially by his children and beloved granddaughters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Greg Thomas of Lake Charles; daughter, Teri McCain of Moss Bluff; long-time companion, Margie Ann Thibodeaux; sister, Sandy Jones of Juno, FL; four granddaughters; Mandy Parrett and husband Fabian, Jessica McCain and fiance’ Brandon Chavanne, Heidi Montiville and husband Dalton, and Katie Gregg and husband Brandon; 6 great grandchildren, Kaden Howard, Drake and Harper Chavanne, Tatum and Leighton Parrett, and Colton Gregg; the mother of his children, Freda Thomas; and Mark McCain, son-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Johnson Funeral Home. The family has asked that friends in attendance wear their McNeese shirts or McNeese colors in memory of Fred’s unwavering devotion to McNeese Cowboy football. Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the MSU Athletic Department.