William Thomas

William Harvey (Bill) Thomas February 6, 1947 - October 2, 2022

After his father returned from the Pacific War, having served on the U.S.S. North Carolina, Bill was born in Gladbrook, Iowa to Stanley L. and Helen E. (Dixon) Thomas. He already had 4 sisters, Betty, Joyce, Eva and Jude and was followed by another one, Peggy, a few years later. He was well loved by his parents and teased often by his sisters.

The family moved to Grand Junction in 1955, where Bill attended many of the grade schools, junior and high schools. The family enjoyed fishing on the Grand Mesa and Bill and his sisters often hiked all the way to the Devils Kitchen, where Bill once caught a large collard lizard, and cried when Mom wouldn't allow him to keep it as a pet. Same thing happened with a scorpion and long black snake.

At age 22, Bill was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with the disease the rest of his life. But he retained his memory for statistics, a sense of humor and wrote tons of poetry. He lived in Fruita with his parents for many years. He was loved and will be missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers in­ law, 2 nieces, a great niece and 2 nephews. He is survived by sisters, Joyce Aman, Jude (Ed) DeGagne, Peggy (Mike) Worley and many nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the staff and wonderful care givers at Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley for their 3 ½ years of tender care of Bill. Graveside inurnment will take place at Fruita's Elmwood Cemetery at a later date.