In Memory of
Floyd Raymond Thomas
July 3, 1926 – December 7, 2014
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Floyd R. Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather and WWII veteran of 88 years, on December 7, 2014, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
A longtime resident of El Paso, Texas, Floyd Raymond Thomas was born on July 3, 1926 to Wallace Raymond “Tommy” Thomas and Louise Florence (Hollimon) Thomas in Houston, Texas. A short time later, Floyd’s parents moved he and his younger sister, Joyce, to New Mexico where his father opened a sawmill. On the family homestead Floyd developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors and was introduced to the lumber and ranching businesses that would later influence his career. As he grew, Floyd attended Peacock Military Academy and Sonora High School in California, before serving his country in WWII in the Army’s 165th “Fighting Irish” Infantry Regiment. Upon his decorated return from the war, Floyd attended Placer Junior College where he earned a degree in Forestry.
On July 4, 1948, Floyd attended a Fourth of July Parade in Nevada City, California, where he boldly leapt onto a float carrying the parade’s beauty queen and sat himself beside her. The beauty’s name was Patricia Diane Crase, and Floyd remained by her side for more than 65 years. Three children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild now celebrate Floyd and Diane’s fabled romance.
Floyd is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia Diane Thomas; his children: Tamara Noel Farris, Deborah Jill Black and Steven Shannon Thomas; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his father, Wallace Raymond Thomas; his mother, Louise Florence Thomas; and his sister, Ivy Joyce Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12 at the LDS Murray Chapel (1705 N. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915). In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to The Brian Injury Alliance of Colorado (biacolorado.org, 185 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite A-606, Denver, CO 80222) or to a charity of your choice.