Murphy Thomas Jr.

Murphy Thomas Jr.

April 28, 1951 ~ August 8, 2020 (age 69)

Murphy Alfred Thomas Jr., age 69, of Ponemah, MN passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Murphy was born on April 28, 1951 in Red Lake, MN to Murphy and Katherine (Cloud) Thomas Sr. He graduated from Red Lake High School and went on to attend BSU. Murphy was fluent in Ojibwe and worked as a language and cultural teacher in various schools in Northern Minnesota, most recently at the Cola School in White Earth before retiring. He also worked as a counselor at the Red Lake School and Northern Winds Treatment Center in Red Lake.

Murphy was involved in his community. He was a youth basketball coach for many years and was always willing to volunteer his time. He was a well-known MC for Pow through Turtle Island and was a Men's Traditional Dancer for many years. He had a great personality, was quick to laugh and enjoyed telling jokes.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sons: Christopher Thomas, Mikwam Thomas, Makoons Thomas and Allen Hardy; grandchildren: Talia Whitefeather, Tyus Whitefeather; siblings: Frannie Miller, Barb Thomas, Melvin Goodman; his special friend, Sophia Bissonette; special cousins: Marylou Stillday and Rita Johnson; niece, Amanda Johnson; nephew, Wayne "Moose" Johnson Jr.; special friends: Gary "Twisty" Lee, Mike and Becky Fairbanks, and Doug Fuhrman.

Murphy was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Murphy Thomas III; siblings: Richard Cloud, Robert "Bozo" Thomas, Ronald M. Cloud and Janet Thomas.

The Wake will begin at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Ponemah Community Center in Ponemah, MN and will continue until the service at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Casketbearers will be: Wes Jordain, Dan Jordain, Mike Needham, Wayne "Moose" Johnson, Gary Johnson and Andrew Letander. Alternates are: Kip Perkins and Allen Cloud. Honorary casketbearers will be: Mike "Big Stink" Fairbanks, Darrell Seki Sr., Rudy Johnson, Wayne Johnson Sr., Char Ellis, Royce Kingird, Cheryl Byers, Terry Skead, Anita Skead Kwakuw Leslie "Waasaay" Copenace, White Bay, Ontario, Kevin "Catch the Hawk" Locke, Ricky White,Ken Fox, and his Drumming and Pow Wow friends. Burial will be at the Thomas Family Burial Grounds in Ponemah.

Services

Wake

Tuesday

August 11, 2020

1:00 PM

Ponemah Community Center

Ponemah Road

Ponemah, MN 56666

Funeral Service

Thursday

August 13, 2020

11:00 AM

Ponemah Community Center

Ponemah Road

Ponemah, MN 56666