William (Bill) Earl Thomas

Malad……William (Bill) Earl Thomas, 78, passed away Tuesday August 16, 2011 at his home surrounded by loved ones in Malad, Idaho. He was born on August 27, 1932 in Malad, Idaho to Robert Lewis Thomas and Juanita Stowe Thomas. Bill graduated from Malad High School with the class of 1951. Bill spent most of his youth working on the Thomas family Ranch in the Deep Creek Valley.

After Graduating High School Bill enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. After returning home from his first round of military service Bill worked in the Construction industry until he enlisted in the United States Navy.

He married Ruth Williams on August 2, 1957 in Malad, Idaho. In October 2001 Bill and Ruth were married in the Logan Temple with their five children in attendance where they were sealed for time and all eternity. This was truly one of Bill’s most precious moments in life.

Next to his love of family, his love of country was of most importance to him. Bill was a true blue patriot. He served in the United States Navy where he was a member of the elite fighting Seabees, a Mobile Construction Battalion with their Motto “Can Do” and he did for 30 years. His service included four tours in Vietnam as well as well as tours in Diego Garcia Indian Ocean, Cuba, and Spain just to name a few.

Bill retired in 1986 after a successful military career. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed his daily drives up to Deep Creek in the mornings and afternoons; he had a great love for the Deep Creek Valley.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; he was the most faithful Home Teacher anyone could ever have, he really loved taking care of his sister widows.

He was beloved by all who knew him. His smile was contagious and he loved a good laugh. He loved life and could often be found doing puzzles, listening to country music, and sitting in his front yard enjoying the scenery.

He is survived by his wife; and children, Joe (Sandra) Thomas of Malad Idaho; Chloe Ann Thomas of Malad Idaho; Shane (Susan) Thomas of Rigby Idaho; Hazel Andersen (Joe) and Shaundel Percey (Darrin) Both of Salt Lake City, Utah. One Brother Monte Thomas (Alice) and three sisters Lorraine Starkey (Glen) and Norma Thomas and Nola Coats (Bill); 15 grand children; 6 great grand children.

Two of his grandson are currently serving Missions Timothy Joseph Andersen – Mexico, Torreon Mission and Blake Thomas Andersen – Mexico, Mexico City Mission.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 20, 2011 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 3rd Ward Chapel 200 W. 400 N. Friends may visit with the Thomas family on Friday evening from 6-8 pm at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. in Malad and on Saturday at the funeral home prior to service from 10:30-11:30 am. Friends and family are invited to share condolences by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com.

FUNERAL SERVICE
Malad LDS 3rd Ward Chapel – August 20, 2011
Bishop Robert Hannah, officiating

Family Prayer – Bishop Joe E. Thomas, son
Prelude & Postlude – Carla Williams
Opening Hymn #219 – “Because I Have Been Given Much”
Invocation – Bob Thomas
Life Sketch – Hazel Andersen & Shaundel Percey, daughters
Vocal Selection –
How Great Thou Art” by Cody Clawson, nephew, acc. by Kelli Svendsen, granddaughter
Speaker – Shane Thomas, son
Speaker – Joe E. Thomas, son
Vocal Selection – “I Love to See The Temple” by grandchildren and great grandchildren, acc. by Kelli Svendsen
Remarks – Bishop Robert Hannah
Closing Hymn #300 – “Families Can Be Together Forever”
Benediction – Shane W. Thomas, grandson

CONCLUDING SERVICE
Malad City Cemetery
Dedicatory Prayer – Shane Thomas, son
Military Rites – American Legion #65 & Navy Honor Guard
Patriotic Vocal by Jill Blaisdell and Sue Stevens
Floral Tribute – Granddaughters and great granddaughters

CASKET BEARERS by family
Joe e. Thomas
Shane Thomas
Joe Andersen
Darrin Percey
William Thomas
Joseph Thomas
Shane W. Thomas
Tyler Thomas
Zachery Percey

HONORARY BEARERS
Erik Svendsen
Ben Cockrell
Will Reeder
Aksel Svendsen
Ethan Reeder
Harrison Reeder
Elder Timothy Andersen
Elder Blake Andersen