Obituary

L. M. "Bud" Thomas

September 3, 1936 - April 16, 2024

Mr. Lowell “Bud” Thomas passed on April 16th, 2024 with his family by his side. Born to Warren Murris “Mert” and Della Fornea Thomas on September 3rd, 1936 in Stateline, Louisiana. He attended Angie High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard. He was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for military training.

Upon returning to Bogalusa, he opened a marine shop where he sold and repaired outboard motors and boats from 1963 until 1974. He continued working is his shop but began working for the Louisiana Army National Guard as a heavy equipment engineer until his retirement in 1993. He opened Thomas’ Air Conditioning in 1993 and worked until his health made him completely retire.

He enjoyed time with his family and friends. He and his family were members of Union Avenue Baptist Church for many years, where he taught the Senior Sunday School Class. A quiet man, he loved God. He was a wonderful example as a son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family loved and respected him as an example of a Christian man.

He is survived by his wife, Linda B. Thomas; sons, Richard M. Thomas and his wife, Betty of Baton Rouge, William Tracey “Bill” Thomas; and a daughter, Stacey E. Rester and her husband Bryan of Hattiesburg, MS; four grandchildren, Jessica R. Hill, Ryan M. Thomas, both of Baton Rouge, Josten (Darrian) Rester of Mobile, AL, Miranda E. (Chris) Permenter of Ocean Springs, LA; four great-grandchildren, Cohen Hill, Chloe Hill, both of Baton Rouge, LA, Asher L. Permenter of Ocean Springs, MS, and Willow L. Rester of Mobile, AL; and one nephew, Michael Thomas of Franklinton, LA.

He is preceded in death by one son, Warren Lee Thomas of Houston, TX; his parents, Mert and Della Thomas; two sisters, June Thomas, Thelma Hill; one brother-in-law, Jerry Hill; and one niece, Jocell Hill.

Funeral services will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home (216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA, 70427) on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Clay Norwood will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Garden of Peace at Ponemah Cemetery with military honors given by the American Legion, Magic City - Post 24 of Bogalusa. 

The family will receive friends and have visitation on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm at the funeral home. Visitation will resume on Saturday morning from 9:00 am until services at 2:00 pm.