Jay Roberts "Bob" Thomas

Jay Roberts "Bob" Thomas, 93, passed away peacefully March 6, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born in Pocatello on November 2, 1921, to Jed Ray Thomas and Carrie Venna Wray. Bob attended school in Pocatello, graduating from Pocatello High School.

Bob attended BYU on football scholarship and lettered as a freshmen, and, as the war broke out the following December, he volunteered to serve his country. He received extensive training in electrical aircraft maintenance in Boise. Bob moved from the training to air bases in Great Falls and Pocatello with training in Memphis, Tennessee. While in Pocatello, Bob met Bonnie Nadine Huff, and they married February 14, 1945. Bob and Bonnie lived in Great Falls, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, settling in Pocatello where they were blessed with their five children. Bonnie passed away April 28, 1969. Bob met Daisy Janet Hamilton Goff and the next year they married on August 7, joining their two families. Janet passed away November 23, 1987. Ardell Chambers Carter entered Bob's life in 1988, and they married March 18, 1989, joining their families.

Bob worked in aircraft electrical maintenance and worked in other jobs in Pocatello before becoming a Realtor and real estate appraiser, which were his careers. He was an owner in Pocatello Realty. Bob was known for his integrity in life and in business. Bob was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many positions including bishopric councilor, stake clerk, high councilor, and sports-related positions. Bob excelled in sports and was physically active. He played handball much of his life developing lifelong friendships from this and other associations.

Bob's great love was for his family, most especially the three beautiful women who came at the spring, summer, and fall of his life. Ardell has been a great blessing in Bob's life and has provided most kind and loving care in the last months. Bob's combined posterity includes 43 grandchildren and 98 great-grandchildren. His genuine way helped develop a special connection with his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ardell; his and Bonnie's children, Ginny Thomas Macbeth (Win), Kathleen Thomas Newlon (Gerald), Roberts Wray "Bob" Thomas (Shanna), Jedd Owen Thomas (Karen), Randall Jay Thomas (Jan) and his brother-in-law Joseph Burton. He is survived by Janet's children, Don D. Goff (Lynell), Jill Goff Walgamott (Keven), and Jill Crooker Goff (Dean). He is also survived by Ardell's children, Kenneth H. Carter (Dianne), Sandy Carter Hatch (Jim), and Kae Lynn Carter Gundry (Dean). And he is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie; his wife Janet; his parents Jed and Venna Thomas; his sister Nellie Thomas Burton; his brother Edward Thomas. He was also preceded in death by Janet's daughter, Sheri Ann Goff and son, Dean Goff; a grandson, Wess Macbeth; and five "angel babies" great-grandchildren. A thank you is extended to the staff at Copper Summit Assisted Living and Access Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral services for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14th 2015 at the LDS church at 42 Princeton Avenue. A viewing will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13th 2015 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.