Stephen Thomas

1949 - 2025

Stephen K. Thomas

1949-2025

- Stephen K. Thomas passed away peacefully due to complications of pancreatic cancer in the early hours October 3, 2025 holding his sweetheart's hand at the age of 76. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, friendship, faith, and loving service that he rendered throughout his life.

Steve was born on August 16, 1949, the son of Dr. Rex Thurman Thomas and Neva Strate Thomas, in Provo, Utah. He enjoyed an idyllic, family-centered life in the post-war era with his two older brothers, Richard and Karl, and his younger sister, Kim. The family spent early years on D Street, and moved to their beloved home on Phillips Lane, near what is now BYU's Marriott Center. They enjoyed a beautiful tiered backyard with patios, fruit trees, gardens, and a corral for Kim's horse which Steve helped care for.

With BYU needing additional property for expansion, the family moved to Elm Avenue in Provo where Steve spent his teenage years. He attended BY Jr. High, then Provo High School.

Steve loved and honored his parents, Rex and Neva. He would accompany Rex to the hospital or patients' homes-sometimes to distant towns. They enjoyed fishing trips and other activities, and they later took up golf, which became a lifelong passion.

Following high school, Steve enrolled at Brigham Young University in the late 1960's. The Vietnam War was raging and he joined the U.S. Army Reserve in April, 1970. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri followed by advanced training at Fort Carson, Colorado. He served in the 259th Petroleum Battalion headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Steve loved his country and, while he was never called up to war, considered his military service a very positive experience where he progressed personally and spiritually.

After completing his bachelor's degree, Steve worked in various roles for Orem State Bank. He was soon accepted to graduate school at Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Chicago to pursue an MBA. It was here that he met the love of his life, Joanne Marie Cary, at a church social activity. Steve and Joanne fell in love and spent their dating years enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Windy City.

Steve and Joanne were married on August 22, 1975 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They settled in Evanston and then Winnetka, Illinois and soon welcomed Jeff, Chad, and Katie over the next five years. Following graduate school, Steve worked for LaSalle National Bank, the Lane Banks, and also earned a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia. These early years in Chicago included Cubs games, Lake Michigan, and many wonderful friends and neighbors, which the family forever cherished.

Eventually, Steve received an offer to join Valley Bank and Trust in Salt Lake City, and in time served as Senior Vice President. The family moved to Sandy, Utah in 1982, and welcomed Marcy in 1984. Steve and Joanne spent 25 years at their Sandy home where Steve is remembered as a kind and loving father, neighbor, community leader, and friend. Among many adventures, Steve loved to take his kids golfing, skiing, camping, and hunting. He taught his children by example, always put others' interests first, and was a master relationship builder.

Steve had many creative gifts-especially in music and writing-which he put to use at work and home. Many remember him sitting at the piano and playing his favorite songs by ear. He was also known for his annual Christmas poems and his mastery of English grammar. Some of his other passions included family history work, photo books, and travel planning.

In 1993, Steve was recruited to Zions Bank and served as Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing for over 16 years. During his banking career, he was a well-respected organizer and twice served as Chairman of the Utah Banking Association Convention. Shortly before his retirement, he enjoyed time as Director of Public Relations and Seminars for the Wayne Brown Institute, Regional Director at Supporting Youth, and a Senior Financial Representative at Secured First Financial.

Soon after becoming empty-nesters, Steve and Joanne moved to their Lehi, Utah home in 2007 where they enjoyed an overlook of the 14th green at Thanksgiving Point. In retirement, Steve was able to spend more time golfing and traveling with Joanne. They visited family and friends all over the country, attended Cubs games, and loved to discover new things and places.

Steve was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While less active in his youth, he credits many dear friends for their examples and encouragement that led him to a strong testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ and many years of faithful service in the church including as bishop of the 9th Ward in the Granite South Stake. More recently, he and Joanne considered it a joy and privilege to serve together as BYU Pathway Worldwide missionaries for four years.

Steve exemplified charity-the pure love of Jesus Christ-with everyone he encountered. He was a peacemaker, a disciple, and a friend. His warmth, generosity, and contagious laugh will be missed for a time. But we look forward with joy to the day when Steve greets us again with his big smile and a loving embrace.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Dr. Rex and Neva Thomas, his darling Nana Lee, sister-in-law Renee (Karl) Thomas, and other extended family. He is survived by his sweetheart, Joanne, sons Jeff (Valarie) Thomas (Kyson [Kenzie], Alexa, BreAnna); Chad (Hillary) Thomas (Elder Sam Thomas - Japan Tokyo North Mission, Lily, Max); daughters Katie (Shey) Thomas (Maiya, Ethan [Allison], Aidan, Aria); Marcy (Taylor) Burnett (Brody, Beckett, Boden); and Steve's siblings, Dr. Richard (Sharleen) Thomas, Karl Thomas, Kim (Billy) McKay, and their families.

A viewing will be held Friday evening, October 10, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S.) Sandy, Utah). Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3679 Bluegrass Blvd, Lehi, Utah), followed by the interment at Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery (4800 N. Eastlawn Dr (650 E.), Provo, Utah).

To view the service, please follow this link: https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/stephen-kent-thomas/