THOMAS, GORDON LYLE, September 13, 1934 – July 28, 2004

Gordon Lyle “Sam” Thomas, 69, of Malad, passed away on July 28, 2004 due to an accident while working on his ranch.

He was born September 13, 1934 in Malad, a son of Robert Lewis and Juanita Miranda Stowe Thomas. Sam graduated from Malad High School, where he was active in football, boxing and baseball. He then attended Snow College and played football there as well.

He married Josie Hyde on May 25, 1956 in Downey, ID.

Sam managed Chevron stations in Utah and Idaho. He lived in Twin Falls for several years where he and Josie raised their children and he operated Sam’s Chevron on Addison Avenue. In 1969, Sam pursued his lifelong dream of returning and operating the Thomas family ranch. He built a home there, where he and Josie have since resided.

Sam worked hard on the ranch to make a living. Sam’s dedication and hard work has been an inspiration to his children and grandchildren who loved him. Family and friends alike will recall many memorable times spent on the ranch with Sam and Josie.

He is survived by his wife of Malad; two sons and two daughters, all living in Twin Falls: Gordon K. (Kathy) Thomas, Robert Brent (Pam) Thomas, Kathy Jo (Don) Barnes and Denise Thomas; nine grandchildren: Sammy Jo (Mike) Morgensen, Darcy Dawn (LeRoy) Harcourt, Whitney Jean Thomas, Kody Thomas Barnes (Currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq), Tracy Lynn Thomas, Josh K. Barnes, Robert Lewis Thomas, Gordon Lee Thomas and Austin Lyle Thomas; one great grandson, Gage Gordon Paul; three brothers, all of Malad, Darrell Thomas, Monte (Alice) Thomas and William (Ruth) Thomas; three sisters, Norma Thomas of Malad, Lorraine Starkey of Napa, Nola (Bill) Coats of Battle Mountain, Nevada; a very special family friend, Jimmy Lash of Jerome.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Grant Thomas.

Funeral services were held August 2, 2004 in the Malad LDS Third Ward Chapel. Burial was in the Malad City Cemetery.