Obituary of Claude Ray Thomas

Claude Ray Thomas 1932 ~ 2014 Claude Ray Thomas, MD, of Highland, Utah passed away on June 2, 2014 in Provo, Utah, due to complications from an extended illness. He was born on March 15, 1932 in Malad, Idaho to Claude J. and Bernice Almond Thomas. He was raised in Malad as well as southern Wyoming. He graduated from Reliance High School and continued his studies at BYU where he graduated in 1953. Claude married Bonnie Ann Davis on February 1, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he attended the University of Utah School of Medicine where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor when he graduated as president of his class in 1961. He practiced medicine in Gridley,California until 1973 when he moved his family to American Fork, Utah. He would go on to practice over the next 13 years in Lehi, Fillmore and Richfield, Utah, as well as Roswell, Georgia. In 1993, Claude retired from the profession he loved so much but, in the eyes of all who knew him, never stopped being Dr. Thomas. Claude and Bonnie enjoyed every place they lived and made wonderful friendships along the way. In 1998 they returned to Salt Lake City and resided in the SLC 18th Ward, where Claude served faithfully in the Bishopric, High Council, and other various callings. He was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an example to all who knew him. Our father was a man of compassion who always had a listening ear and kind word of support and encouragement for all. He was dedicated to his profession, his family and most of all to his sweetheart of over 60 years, Bonnie. We love him so much and will miss him terribly but we find comfort in knowing that families truly are forever. Claude is survived by his wife, Bonnie; six children and their spouses: Debora and Don Brown (Newnan, GA), Richard and Melinda (Robertson) Thomas (Phoenix, AZ), Nancy and Dale Murphy, (Alpine, UT), Dr. Randal and Jodee (Monk) Thomas (Rochester, MN), Robert and Trina (Poulson) Thomas (Alpharetta, GA), Sally and Mitch Jensen (American Fork, UT); 33 grandchildren and 21 great- grandchildren (2 more on the way) and his sister Louise Lund of South Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret, brother Bruce, and great-granddaughter Penny K. Thomas, all of whom were waiting for him on the other side. Viewings for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 6-8 pm at Anderson and Sons Mortuary Lone Peak, 6141West 11000 North, Highland, Utah and Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Fort Canyon LDS Chapel, 890 Heritage Hills Drive, Alpine, Utah, from 9:30 to 10:45. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am followed by graveside services at the Highland City Cemetery.