MALAD – Ray Thomas, 77, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at the Oneida County Nursing Home due to natural causes.
Ray was the fifth of five boys, Lyle, Earl (Bus), Jedd and Laurel. Ray was born on September 21, 1931, to Espy and Ethel Thomas. He attended grade school in the Daniels area with his brother, Earl (Bus) as his teacher. He continued his education in Malad, graduating from Malad High School.
Upon graduation, he worked on the family farm in the Daniels area, later working for Crowthers Brothers Milling Company. He ended his career working for FMC, retiring in 1990, after 25 years of service.
He married Marlene Davis in Randolph, Utah, on May 28, 1951. They are the parents of four children, Laurel (Sharon), Jon, Jana (Blaine) and Jill (Lawrence). They have 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ray loved being in the mountains. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Ray loved animals. Throughout his life, he always seemed to have a dog by his side.
Ray was an example of strength to those who knew him, showing them how to endure to the end. Although he was ill for many years, he never complained, always having a cheerful attitude.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Espy and Ethel Thomas, his brothers, Lyle, Earl, Jedd and Laurel. He is survived by his wife, Marlene, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Thomas family would like to thank the Oneida County Hospital, Oneida County Nursing Home and Homehealth for their wonderful care. We also would like to thank Randy Thomas for his years of kindness and concern.
The funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N., in Malad, Idaho, with Bishop Mike Williams officiating. Family and friends may visit with the family on Saturday prior to the service from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery. Published in Idaho State Journal on Aug. 26, 2009.