Bob Thomas

Robert C. “Bob” Thomas passed away Thursday, September 17, 2015, at The Gables Assisted Living Center in Ammon with his family at his side, at the age of 92 years. Bob was born August 12, 1923, in the Hibbard area near Rexburg, Idaho, to Glen R. and Beatrice Haws Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Jo” Stanford Thomas; four children: Lynet (Reuel) Smith of Idaho Falls; Rex (Colleen) Thomas of Morgan, Utah; Shauna (Benny) Smith of Idaho Falls; and Patrice Thomas of Asheville, NC; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Betty (Bill) Carhill of Idaho Falls; LaRue (Glen) Standley of Idaho Falls; and D. Gary (Pam) Thomas of American Fork, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Clarice Price; an infant sister, Marilyn; and a great-grandson, Jaxon Ryan Smith. When he was four years old the family moved to Newdale, where he was raised. He graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in 1942, where he “lettered” in basketball and was Student Body President. The summer between his Junior and Senior years, he met his forever love, Dorothy “Jo” Stanford from St. Anthony. In December of 1942, Bob joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He came home on furlough and he and Jo were married in Idaho Falls April 13, 1943. She stayed home to finish high school, then joined him in Macon, Georgia, at Robins Field the summer of 1944. After an honorable discharge in February of 1946, Bob attended Utah State University and graduated in three years with a double major in Business Law and Accounting. He began his financial career in Idaho Falls as a manager in training for the American National Bank. Their first daughter, Lynet, was born during this time. By the time he was 29, he was the Manager of the American National Bank in Shelley, the youngest manager in the state. The family lived in Shelley for 17 years, adding one son and two more daughters to the household. During this time he served two terms on the City Council and one on the School Board. In 1966, he opened the first branch of the Idaho First National Bank in Blackfoot, where he continued until he retired in 1978. He spent a few years “semi-retired,” working in securities and real estate, but those activities cut into his hobby time and he fully retired in 1991. Bob enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life—fishing, hunting, gardening, and “rock hounding.” He loved woodworking, creating everything from furniture to bowls, rolling pins, and other beautiful pieces. Another interest he and Jo loved dearly was building their own cabin on Bill's Island at Island Park Reservoir in the 1960’s. They did most of the work themselves, creating a wonderful summer home that the entire family enjoyed for many years. They also enjoyed spending winters in Gold Beach, Oregon, for nearly twenty years after Bob’s retirement. In compliance with his request, a graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the Parker Cemetery. Military Rites will be performed by the Fremont County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. DIRECTIONS to Parker Cemetery: From Idaho Falls take Highway 20 to the North Rexburg Exit. Turn left onto the Parker-Salem Road. When you get to a 4-way stop, turn right. Follow that road into Parker (it takes a natural curve to the left). When you get to the outside of Parker you will see the cemetery on the left side of the road.

Graveside Services will be held

11:30 a.m. ,Saturday, September 26, 2015 Parker Cemetery Sage Street Parker, ID, Fremont 83438