Dr. Eric Richard Thomas, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Our dad, Eric Thomas, MD, was a warm mix of humor and heart, a soul you could both laugh with and lean on. He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a passionate community leader, and a beloved retina surgeon. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, he passed away unexpectedly. And even this skilled retina surgeon would tell you, he simply didn't see it coming.

He was born in Huron, South Dakota, to his parents Richard Thomas and Susan Hohm. He was delivered into this world by his grandfather, and one could say "born to be a doctor." Raised in Aberdeen, our dad approached life with curiosity and an insatiable desire to experience all that life had to offer. He filled his early days of youth with activities ranging from show choir and jazz band, to hockey and tennis, and just about anything else that sparked his interest.

He went on to attend Augustana University, where he majored in biology (pre-med), was a member of the Augustana tennis team, and by his own admission, had more than his fair share of fun. But what ultimately mattered most, and his self-described greatest life accomplishment, was meeting our mom, Emily. He did not just fall in love with her, but rather proudly built his life around her. She was his partner in everything, and his favorite person in the world.

His path to medicine was not easy, but it was inevitable. Our dad didn't believe in backup plans, only Plan A. And he kept showing up until it worked. He earned his acceptance into medical school at the University of South Dakota. From there, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia, furthered his expertise through a vitreoretinal fellowship in Lexington, Kentucky, and eventually joined his uncle at Ophthalmology Limited and became a proud partner in the practice. He built a career defined not just by skill, but by compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping people. He was loved by his Ophthalmology Limited family.

But medicine was only one way he lived out his purpose. Our dad had a gift for understanding and accepting people. He made everyone feel seen, understood, and valued in a way that stayed with them. His impact reached far beyond examination and operating rooms; it lived in conversations, in relationships, in the quiet ways he was always there and available for others.

Above all else, he was a family man. His love for our mom was steady, deep, and full of laughter; the kind of love and partnership rooted in friendship, honesty, and unwavering support. Together, they built a life grounded in authenticity, joy, and a whole lot of fun.

And as a dad, he was everything. He showed up. Every game, every milestone, every moment that mattered. He was our biggest fan and strongest supporter. He made us believe our ideas were worth chasing and our dreams were always possible. He taught us to realize that not every closed door is actually locked, that sometimes you just have to push. He showed us how to think deeply, stay open-minded, and see the world through more than one dimension. He celebrated our successes, stood firmly beside us through challenges, and made each of us feel deeply known and loved, for exactly who we are. And somehow, he made all of that feel effortless.

Our family life was vibrant, animated, competitive, full of laughter, and grounded in love. And because of him, because of the parts of him that live on in each of us, we know we will be okay. His presence is still here: in the teasing, in the never-enough hugs goodnight, in the selfies, in the dad t-shirts, in the Marvel movie marathons, and the indie rock songs. He didn't leave us, he lives in us.

Our dad's love for soccer grew into something much bigger for our family. As a co-founder of Sioux Falls City FC, he created more than a club, he created a home. A place where women are supported, seen, and believed in. He was a mentor, a constant presence, and a father-figure to so many. Past, present, and future players continue to live out the experience that my parents envisioned for them. The purpose they shared will continue to be lived for us and him to see. Alongside our mom, he helped build the Sioux Falls City FC Foundation, driven by their shared dream of bringing the first professional women's team to South Dakota.

It was never just about the game of soccer, it was about something much more meaningful and impactful. He believed in using what he had to elevate others. He believed in access, in opportunity, in creating a world where everyone has the chance to dream and the support to make it a reality. He lived those values every day, and his leadership will continue indefinitely.

He was also, without question, the funniest person in any room. His humor was constant, effortless, and unforgettable. It is what made our mom fall in love with him, and it's something he passed down to all of us. Whether it was a perfectly timed one-liner or a quick-witted comment, he had a way of making magic out of the mundane.

He loved deeply and lived fully. He chased experiences over objects, traveling with us to Hawaii and Costa Rica, exploring the world with our mom in places like London and Peru. He embraced life with curiosity, joy, and intention.

He had strong opinions, especially regarding his occasional well-earned comforts. Nothing made him happier than coming home, putting on jeans (despite everyone insisting they were not, in fact, comfortable), pouring an occasional glass of wine or whiskey, and settling in for the night. He was fully himself, always, never changing to meet expectations, never pretending to be anything other than exactly who he was.

He had a remarkable instinct for life, and he just seemed to know things. He had great taste in everything: music, movies, wine. Our family shares a deep love for the Marvel universe, turning opening nights into tradition and debates into sport. We even named our dog Marvel, though our dad preferred "Marvopolis Macchiaato Thomas." And despite his claims otherwise, his soft spot for Marv was obvious.

A lifelong Minnesota Sports fan, he loyally supported all Minnesota teams, fully aware that heartbreak and disappointment often came with that commitment. Still, his optimism never wavered (this is our year, Dad)!

He was fiercely competitive and somehow managed to be good at just about everything, especially family game night where he remains the undisputed Scattergories champion. And yes, sometimes he was completely full of shit, but he said things with such confidence that you almost believed him every time.

In a final, profound act that reflects the full circle of his life, our dad chose to donate his tissues and corneas. Long before medical school, one of his first jobs was working at the South Dakota Lions Eye Bank. It is fitting that even now, his eyes will continue to see the world, a lasting reflection of a man who helped so many others do the same.

To celebrate our dad, a remarkable husband, father, son, brother, and friend, we invite you to gather with us. Because he always did things his own way, and because one of his favorite places to be was JJ's on Whiskey Wednesdays, we will be honoring him with "Whiskey Wednesday on Eric's Time." The celebration of life will be held at JJ's Wine and Spirits on Tuesday June 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. We encourage you to bring as many photos with a written story or memory attached to leave with the family, because hearing how he made people laugh and feel seen has been one of the greatest comforts to us.

So we'll show up the way he taught us to: fully human, truly present, and beautifully together. Ready to celebrate him the only way that makes sense: Eric Style.

As one of our favorite Marvel movies reminds us, "grief is love persevering," and oh, how we will let that love live on, in how we laugh, how we gather, and how we continue forward.

Aidan, Taylor, and Payton Thomas

As Eric was an advocate for women's soccer, in lieu of flowers, please consider using this QR code to support the Sioux Falls City FC Foundation.

Should you prefer to donate by check, please mail to:

4800 S. Louise Ave, Box 108 Sioux Falls, SD 57106.