On April 24th, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, Steven James Thomas, 54, of Kewadin, Michigan died peacefully with his loving wife at his side.

Lovingly known as "Steve-O", Steve was born on January 28th, 1971, to James Steven Thomas and Susan Mary (Hubbell) Thomas in Traverse City, Michigan. The youngest of the bunch, Steve was the only boy among a trio of adoring older sisters.

Raised in Kewadin, Michigan, Steve attended grade school and middle school at Elk Rapids, and graduated with Honors from Elk Rapids High School, class of 1989. In his High School years, Steve found a passion and talent for long distance running. Along with his running mates, Steve holds the ERHS record for the 3200 Relay to this day.

As an adult, Steve started his career working in the yard at Wolohan Lumber, eventually leading him into outside sales, and then a transition to in-house design and drafting at Brown Lumber. Steve's visions and talents for plan design, both structurally and aesthetically, helped take him far in his career. Steve's successes led him to venture off and start his own business, Thomas Building Design.  For over 15 years, Steve has designed many homes, garages, commercial buildings, and remodels.  He was well respected in his field, and his expertise will be greatly missed among the trades.

An active member of the Elk Rapids Community, Steve was proud to have donated his time and ideas to the Elk Rapids Lions Club, the Elk Rapids DDA, as well as the Elk Rapids Schools, particularly the Band Boosters program. Whether monetarily as a sponsor, or with his time and energy, Steve was   always willing to help out where needed.

Steve loved his four-legged companions and spent lots of years throwing balls for fetch in the back yard. He loved to sit around a bonfire, share stories and laughter, and listen to that good ol' Country Gold. Steve's humor, easy-going attitude, and unconditional love for his family will be what he is most remembered for. He was a selfless man, who always put himself last to ensure the well-being of those he loved the most. He always had a smile on his face and never passed up the opportunity to stop and shoot the breeze with whoever said "hello!" He was a bright light in our community, and his familiar face will be missed by many.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, James and Susan (Hubbell) Thomas, Sister Genevieve Thomas, and father-in-law, Norman Knickerbocker.

Forever in our hearts, Steve is survived by his wife and best friend, Kolleen; sisters Stephanie (Ralph) Epifanio, Mary (Mark) Stephens; children Kayla (Tyler) Croton, Sara Rowe (William Gren), Daniel Rowe, Jennifer (Will) Markey; 8 beautiful grandchildren, Mother In law Janice Knickerbocker, many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as many loving extended family members, stretching far across the Country.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Steve's name to Elk Rapids Band Boosters. Payable to ERHS with memo "Band Boosters, Steve Thomas Memorial."

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Elk Rapids, with the Rev. Cleetus Koochikkatt-George celebrant, with visitation at 10 AM until Mass time.  Interment will take place in Hubbell Memorial Gardens in Kewadin.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the church, and praying of The Rosary at 8 PM.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com