John Thomas

JOHN E. THOMAS IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John Edward Thomas, age 85, passed away January 15, 2007, at Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was born November 29, 1921 at Fort Scott, Kansas to George Edward Thomas and Evelyn Crawford Thomas. He was the oldest of six children. He grew up in Pleasanton, Kansas, where he was active in football, basketball, track, and acting in school plays when he wasn't working on the family farm. He graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1940 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter. He was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He served in Squadron VP-14 throughout World War II. He was on his way to flight school when World War II ended and he was honorably discharged in 1946. During the war, he met his first wife, Gloria Del Moore, while taking dance lessons in Long Beach, California. They were married in May of 1946, and moved to Manhattan, Kansas where he attended Kansas State University receiving his Bachelors Degree and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1952. After graduation, he joined a veterinary practice in Colfax, Wisconsin. John and Gloria had three children, Brian, Marc, and Kristine. After losing their home and veterinary practice to tornadoes, they moved to a farm in Stanley, Wisconsin. In 1962, John left private practice and joined the Federal Veterinary Service and moved to Ammon, Idaho where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. He was very involved in Boy Scouts with his sons. Camping on the weekends was a big part of their family life. As part of his job assignment with the Federal Veterinary Service, he was transferred to Charleston, West Virginia; Madison, Wisconsin; St. Paul, Minnesota; Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Little Rock, Arkansas. While living in Reno, he lost his beloved first wife, Gloria, to cancer. John was a member of Kaneohe Bay Clippers - Pearl Harbor Survivors Organization, Toastmasters, and Kiwanis Club. He was an active member of the Ammon Lions Club and Idaho Falls Rotary Club. After being transferred to Little Rock, John corresponded with Joan Chesbro, a family friend from Idaho Falls. John retired, moving back to Idaho Falls to marry Joan and become a "house husband". John spent the remainder of his years traveling with Joan, chasing the golf ball at the Idaho Falls Country Club and in Sun City West, Arizona. He kept Kodak film in business with his photography hobby. Late in life he enjoyed painting and gardening. John and Joan traveled extensively throughout the world and also enjoyed trips with their children and grandchildren. After losing Joan too soon in life, John slowed down but continued his photography and traveling to visit children and grandchildren. He felt blessed to have had two loving wives that brought much joy to his life. He was married a total of 50 years to "two great gals". Until the end, he told his living history over and over and over again. Survivors include his children: Dr. Kristine Marguarite Thomas, of Burbank, CA Marc Edward Thomas, of Moundsview, MN Scott Chesbro (Marina) Griggs, of Idaho Falls, ID Tana Jane (Dan) Stahn, of Idaho Falls, ID Vanetta (Kent) Wilson, of Idaho Falls, ID, Grandchildren: John Fredrick Thomas of Roseville, MN; JennieLee (Sgt. Ryan) Parkinson of Colorado Springs, CO; Holly Rae (Brock) Burkman of Cleveland Heights, OH; Paul Chesbro Wilson of Idaho Falls, ID; and Ivan Leonov of Idaho Falls. Great Grandchildren: Carter James Burkman, Trevor Jay Burkman, and Isabella Jane Burkman Sisters: Ruth Ferrel of Butler, MO; Barbara Slater of Galax, VA; and Patricia Rubanoff of Portland, OR He was preceded in death by his wives, Gloria and Joan; a son, John Brian Thomas and two brothers; Paul Thomas and David Thomas. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2007, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends for one half hour prior to the services. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team following the services at the funeral home. Following military rites, there will be a gathering of family and friends with refreshments at the funeral home. Private committal services will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests donations to The Eagle Rock Art Museum, 300 S. Capital, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. ------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Norma Jean Housley My deepest sympathy to the John Thomas family. Norma Jean Housley Marion Williams We appreciate your friendship. We loved John. Love, Marion Sandra, Michael, Rachael, and Ilyssa Stein mrsyourhonor@yahoo.com We love you, John. It was our honor and pleasure to have known you! Love, The Stein Family Lynn H. Holmes lynnhol@peoplepc.com I wish to pass on my condolences to you. Lynn H. Holmes (Grandson of Helen May Crawford Holmes) Vicki Thomas-Davis vtdavis64@yahoo.com To all of you, wish we could be there! Many good memories of my wonderful uncle! We loved him. I know he, Dad and Uncle Paul are getting into trouble "up there" now! Sorry the years put too much distance between us. Kristie and Mark . . . . Please e-mail me and keep in touch!!!! I would love to hear from you!!!! Love always, Your cousin, Vicki in Omaha Robert W. Bates MorRBates@AOL.com As chapter president, I extend condolences on the passing of John on behalf of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). John was a longtime member and he and Joan attended meetings and supported the organization throughout his active years. Robert Bates 3480 Ruby Circle I.F., 83401 Brian Jefcoat and Peri Lavender Our thoughts, blessings and love are with you now and always.