Ronald LaMonte Thomas (Black Monte) passed away at his home on Saturday November 26th, 2016.

Monte was born on May 24, 1936 to Robert L. and Juanita S. Thomas, the youngest son of seven children. Monte’s early years were spent on the family ranch up Deep Creek, every family member no matter how young or small had a job to do, Monte and Sam were designated cooks even as young as five which explains why they were such good cooks as adults. Monte attended Malad schools for his education, while he was there he was very active in sports a golden gloves boxer, baseball player and football player, and was awarded the Babe Ruth Sportsman’s award. After high school Monte Spread his wings a bit and traveled around working for Standard Oil. He also served in the Army from 1958-64. After his active duty time, dad came home to take over the duties of running the ranch for his dad. At this time he also took a job with the Idaho Department of Transportation as a civil engineer. Monte helped build many of the bridges and roads in Idaho today. Around about the fall of 1961 Monte met his love Alice Marie Jenson and they were married October 5, 1962, one year after that they were blessed with the first of three Daughters, Michelle, Dara Lee, and Katrina. After moving around southeast Idaho a bit, Monte and his gals came home to Deep Creek where he lived the rest of his days. After retiring from the State Monte really enjoyed working at Hess Pumice for a time. In his retirement and in life he enjoyed growing a large garden and sharing the fruits of his labor especially tomatoes! He loved watching sports especially football and basketball, and enjoyed competing in football contests and pools and it usually worked out pretty well for him. He was the “Sourdough King” and loved cooking for family especially Papa Monte’s famous pancakes for his grandkids. Where Monte was a great dad, he was an exceptional grandpa; the role was the best of his life, all of his grandkids felt special because of his love and admiration.

Along with his wife Alice, Monte is survived by his daughter’s Dara Lee Hardman (Kyle), and Katrina Grote (Brent), Son-in-law Roger Tovey, Grandson’s Brady Tovey (Candice), Blake Tovey, Hunter Tovey, Kade Hardman, Kyler Hardman, Granddaughter’s Tayja Kuligowski (Adrian) and Piper Grote, Sisters Lorraine Starkey and Nola Jean Coats (Bill) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, brother’s Grant, Bill, Darrel, and Sam, Sister Norma and his daughter Michelle.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 7th Ward, 400 N. 200 W. Friends may visit with the family at the Horsley Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service.