Ronald Thomas

Ron Thomas passed away in the arms of his wife, Brenda Ruth Thomas, on Saturday, January 19th, 2019. He was also surrounded by family and loved ones as he was called home to be with Heavenly Father.

Ron was born in Soda Springs, Idaho, to John Junior and Iona Ashbaker Thomas on March 2, 1954. He grew up on a farm and learned the meaning of hard work, responsibility, ethics, and the love of the outdoors. He graduated from Grace High School and Wyotech Technical College in Laramie, Wyoming.

He moved to California with his wife, Lucy, and daughter, Kayla, in 1983. He worked for Ned Clyde Construction as Vice President of Operations. After a divorce, Ron returned to Grace, Idaho, to care for his parents. He also worked for the city of Preston School District, remodeling the local schools.

Ron and Brenda were introduced on a golf course, one of his favorite pastimes. They quickly created their own style and laughed throughout every game they played. They married in 2011, moving to Stagecoach, Nevada, where their love of horses resulted in a remote horse ranch. With Ron's talent for construction, remodeling, and woodworking, the ranch became an oasis in the desert.

In 2015, Ron and Brenda moved to Preston, Idaho, to enjoy more time with Ron's family and experience a new environment of outdoor adventures. There, they made many friends and enjoyed the love of all the neighborhood children. His grandchildren gave him the name of Mr. Roger's when they misunderstood Mr. Ron, and it stuck. All children have since called him Mr. Rogers.

Ron's love of the outdoors, traveling, and exploring new places took him and Brenda on several wonderful road trips. Many great memories, a lot of laughter, and getting lost were abundant. Ron was a tall, quiet cowboy whose humor, devotion, love, and gentle manner will be missed by many. He was referred to as Mr. Man, or My Tall Drink of Water, by his wife Brenda.

Ron is survived by his soul mate, best friend, and eternal wife, Brenda Ruth Thomas of Preston; daughter, Kayla Thomas of Vacaville, CA, stepdaughter Niki Maples; grandchildren Caleb and Madison Head of Sacramento, Ca; brothers Wynn (Neta) Thomas and Larry (Laurie)Thomas of Grace, Id, Sherwin (Julie Campbell) Thomas of Far West, Ut, and many nephews and nieces. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter, Jeni Maples.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 26th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 213 South 2nd East, Preston. A viewing will be held Friday, January 25th, from 6-8 PM and again Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30, with services at 11:00.

Graveside services and interment will be conducted at the Turner Cemetery in Grace, Idaho, at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The family requests donations to Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, in Ron's name in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Franklin County Funeral Home, 56 S. State Street, Preston, Idaho 208-254-7866.

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