George (Red) W. Thomas, 82, Custer SD, passed away Monday February 24, 2014 with his family at his side. He was born on September 14, 1931 to his parents George and Florence Thomas in Clark SD, and graduated from Clark High. As a young man he took interest in hunting, fishing, and guiding pheasant hunters. He also loved training hunting dogs.He went into the service in 1952 as a Navy Seabee and was honorably discharged in 1956. He married Lila Freese and in this marriage three children were born. They lived in Ft. Pierre and Fort Thompson area when Red worked on the dam projects as a carpenter. He then started up a family owned business which was called Red’s Bait and Tackle. Later, he sold the business and moved to rural Wessington Springs SD area where he opened a Swedish massage business and helped the local ranchers. Later he married Dorothy Sheffield who preceded him in death. He moved to Custer SD where he decided to retire and enjoy the life of the outdoors. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and their company as well as his friendships with his card playing buddies.Red is survived by his three daughters, Charla (Wayne) Willman of Gann Valley SD, Gail Thomas of Custer SD, and Brenda Thomas (Darla) of Bonner Springs KS; two granddaughters, Kilee (Jess) Baker of Brookings SD, Katie Willman of Gann Valley SD and three great grand children, DeLaney, Denae, and Haiden. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Myrtle and his brother Wallace.