THOMAS, MAURICE R. – January 30, 1924 – November 24, 2003

Portage – Maurice R. Thomas, 79, of Portage and husband of Fay Van Ney (Gibbs) Thomas, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2003 in the Bear River Hospital in Tremonton.

He was born January 30, 1924 in Malad, Idaho, a son of David Dredge and Sarah Richards Thomas. He married Fay Van Noy (Gibbs) on March 18, 1943 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They lived in Malad until 1949 when they moved to Portage. Maurice has farmed and ranched there since. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several callings in the Sunday School, Elders Quorum, Bishopric, and with his wife as temple officiators. He was a High Priest and a member of the Portage Ward.

He is survived by his wife, Fay of Portage; one daughter and five sons: LaNae (Tom) Shaw, Perry, Utah; Dale (Lynette) Thomas, Brigham City, Utah; Stanley (Winnie) Thomas, Logan, Utah; Dan (Christy) Thomas, Portage; Reed (Barbara) Thomas, Fort Bridger, Wyoming; and Kent (Kim) Thomas, Sandy, Utah. Also surviving are 29 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, one brother, Grant (Jane) Thomas, Thousand oaks, California; and one sister, Leota Smith, Pocatello, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, one granddaughter and one great-grandson.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 29, 2003 in the Portage LDS Ward chapel. Burial was in the Portage Cemetery. Arrangements were by Horsley Funeral Home, Malad.