Gary L. Thomas Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gary Leonard Thomas died peacefully at Lifecare Center on May 23, 2022, in Greeley, CO at the age of 90, surrounded by his family. Gary was born on September 4, 1931, in Guthrie, OK to Victor Jewett Thomas and Nancy Olive (Moore) Thomas. He graduated from Centennial High School in Pueblo, CO in 1950. Gary then served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean war, mostly stationed in Japan. He often remarked that he loved and valued both the country and every minute of the experience, and that he would never do it again. After the military he returned home to Pueblo, CO, where he and a buddy embarked on a short-lived business venture as donut makers. It was there that he also made what he described as “the best decision of my life.” He answered a letter in the back of a magazine from a young woman in Idaho wanting to find a Pen Pal. And even though she had received over a hundred replies to her request, she answered his. He married his Pen Pal and love of his life, Jo Ann Harris in Burley, ID in 1957. After moving to Farmington, NM from 1957 to 1960, and then to Texas in 1960, Gary began working for Texas Rockwool as an Office Manager in Belton, TX. Over the next 6 years, Gary and Ann welcomed Kerri, Geoffrey and Stuart into their home. They moved to Greeley, CO in 1966 and three years later welcomed their fourth child, Christopher into their very cozy two-bedroom home, that is still in the family today. After moving to Colorado in 1966, Gary worked as an Office Manager and Accountant for a growing company called Monfort Packing. While there he was able to develop the bookkeeping system and operations manual for a growing number of Monfort Portion Foods locations. Gary valued the experience but wanted a change so in 1973 took charge of the regional subsidiary accounting for Consolidated Mobile Homes, Inc and in 1977 became accountant and auditor for Stewart Title of Greeley. He often traveled to other states to audit their operations as well and, while he enjoyed seeing other places such as Portland, Tucson, Salt Lake City and Aspen, he couldn’t wait to get back home to his family. In 1988, Gary and two colleagues left Stewart Title to form Homestead Title of Greeley, where he worked until his (partial) retirement in 2001. When not working, Gary dabbled in a few hobbies from accordion-playing to painting to writing, including writing his life story, “The Story of Me and We.” He loved and spent countless hours with genealogy, tracing the family’s ancestry back in some instances to the 1600’s. He also believed very strongly in giving back to the community, giving selflessly of his time to a number of service organizations including Missionary Manor Inc, providing affordable housing to those in need, and the National Exchange Club, whose national project is the prevention of child abuse. He declared and believed wholeheartedly that it should never hurt to be a child. His passion was making the world a better place by setting the right example, and nowhere was that more evident than in his commitment to his family. More than anything, he loved family get-togethers, especially if they included food, and was always there for anyone in need, be it as a chauffeur, a tax advisor, a life counselor, a storyteller, or just a listening ear. Gary believed that you should always be honest, kind, forgiving, and understanding of others’ views, and that you should always keep your word, and as the patriarch of the family, Gary modeled that behavior every moment of every day. Gary is survived by wife Ann; daughter, Kerri Salazar of Greeley; son Geoffrey (wife Sarah) of Aurora; son Stuart (wife Jayne) of Greeley; and son Christopher of Eagan, MN, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren He is preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother Ronald, and his son-in-law Chris Salazar, all of Colorado. Gary’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10:30 am at the LDS Church, 501 49th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634 with a reception to follow. Bishop Hardgrave will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Gary’s name to Ralston House Child Advocacy Center, https://www.ralstonhouse.org/ . Condolences can be sent to moserfuneralservice@msn.com. or mailed to Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, CO 80620. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Lifecare of Greeley and Pathways Hospice for their care and commitment in Gary’s final years and moments.

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Gary L. Thomas

September 4, 1931 - May 23, 2022