Lewis A. Thomas

Lewis A. “LA” Thomas, 99, a former superintendent of schools in Malad passed away October 3 at a San Diego care facility, just four months away from reaching his 100th birthday.

Born in Lewisville, Idaho, he was raised on an Idaho homestead by a Welsh Father and Danish mother. As a young man, he and three friends dropped out of Southern Idaho Normal School to join the Idaho National Guard and chase Pancho Villa during border raids along the Mexican border.

He then served in World War I and spent much of his life championing the cause of veterans’ organizations, and served as commander of the American Legion Post 423 and Barracks 1186 of the Veterans of World War I. One of his most vigorous campaigns was to win pensions for World War I veterans.

He was a life member of the Elks and San Clemente Lodge #671, F. & A.M. He was a member of BPOE for 74 years, and for 64 years a Mason.

During World War I, Mr. Thomas not only served his country but so did his wife Ragna, who was a combat nurse.

Career-wise, he was educated at universities in Idaho and Chicago and spent most of his life as a teacher and superintendent of schools in rural Idaho school districts.

He also spent two years as secretary of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and wound up his career with the US Department of Education in San Francisco and retired in San Clemente in 1963.

Funeral services were held October 19 in San Clemente, and interment was in the El Toro Memorial Park with full military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps HonorGuard.

Lewis A. Thomas

Lewis A. Thomas, 99, died on October 3, at a San Diego care facility.

He was a World War I Veteran and served many years as the Superintendent of Schools for the Oneida School District.