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Richard Thomas Obituary
Born Sept. 6, 1932, in Sanford, Colo., to Harry Delbert Thomas and Bernice Colene Carter, Richard spent his younger years in Colorado.
He graduated from Logan High School and went to USU for two years, where he was studying mechanical engineering. At that time, he contracted polio, which affected his lower body and caused him to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. In spite of Richard's affliction, he married his sweetheart, Viola Jean Bergener June 18, 1953, in the Logan LDS Temple.
He took courses in watch and jewelry repair and opened Thomas Jewelers in 1954, which he operated for 40 years before retiring in 1995. Richard loved people and enjoyed sharing his positive attitude to encourage others to reach toward the best inside themselves. He spent many hours in public speaking to community and church groups alike. He served in the Logan Jaycees, and as a Logan city councilman for eight years.
He held numerous positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including mission leader of the USU married student stake, bishop of the 10th Ward, and missionary in Salt Lake City for the Church Education System. Among the many awards that he received were the Distinguished Service Award from the Logan Jaycees, The Governor's Trophy for handicapped citizen of the year in 1964, and the USU/Community Associates award for outstanding contribution to the Cache Valley community and USU in 2001.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Vera Choate), brother-in-law (Donald Cowley) and granddaughter (Trina Thomas).
He is survived in death by his wife, Viola, and their seven children: Rick Thomas, Christine Rawlins, Janet Humpherys, Sandra Beck, Ronald Thomas, Teresa Foli and Linda Chambers. He has 26 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and two living sisters: Dorothy Cowley and Mary Wayment.
Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, June 25, 2010, in the Logan 29th Ward Chapel, 792 N. 500 East. A viewing will be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary on Thursday, June 24, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. and also prior to services from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Thomas
Marvin&Louise John
March 6, 2021
He made my wedding ring in 1970. We will never forget him and the positive influence he made in our lives.
July 16, 2010
Dear Vi:
I was shocked last night to learn of Richard passing, but I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to see him about a month of so before his death. Words cannot express how powerful Richard's example and cheerful disposition have been to those whom he has met. I will long remember his jovial retort, "I'm finer than frogs hair." I have missed our close association, but am comforted to know that he is no longer confined to his wheel chair. Please know of my love and appreciation for both of you. Tom Fairbanks
Mary Olsen Hall
June 29, 2010
Linda, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Find comfort in knowing that all is well on the other side. Wishing you peace.
Teresa Lewis
June 25, 2010
Dear Rick and Stephanie,
I am so sorry about the passing of Richard. I got to know him when I worked for you at Thomas Jewelers, and I also knew him through your eyes, Rick. I know how hard it is to lose your Dad. I hope that you will have peace and know that he can walk now! I miss you guys and feel sorry for not keeping in better touch.
Teresa Brown Lewis
June 25, 2010
Dear Viola:
We have fond memories of you and Bishop and wish to express our love to you and your family at this time. Your example of faithfulness and endurance has blessed our lives. Dick and Jan Williams, Missouri Independence Mission
June 24, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss -- It was a pleasure to see Richard a few times over recent years! The Thomas Family has always held a special place in the Cordon Family "heart" and we all wish you well. Kelli Cordon
Tim Bennett
June 24, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I learned a great deal from Richard over the years and feel privileged to be able to call him my friend. A great man who will be missed.
Ronald Jensen
June 24, 2010
My condolences to the Thomas family on the death of Richard. I enjoyed having him for a bishop several years ago. He was a good man.
Mark Brenchley
June 23, 2010
Richard Thomas loved the City of Logan and did all he could to make it better. His eight years on the municipal council showed his compasssion, frugality and good common sense. I hope all politicians will follow his lead and reasons for being involved in local government. His integrity was unmatched.
With great affection,
Mark and Mary Brenchley
Angela Thomson Brenchley
June 23, 2010
My sympathy goes out to the Thomas Family. I have good memories of Mr. Thomas when I spent time as a teenager at my friend Linda's house.
Albert Clement
June 23, 2010
I am deeply saddened to learn of Richard's passing away. My deepest and most heart felt thoughts go out to Richard's great family and his legacy. Richard took me under his wing and helped, along with my own family, to guide me in positive and responsible directions in my life. I am grateful that our friendship continued well beyond my leaving the Cache Valley area. I have very fond memories of working at the jewelry store downtown, having lunch one on one with Richard at the Blue Bird Cafe and being in the Thomas family home. Thank you for your friendship, for your desire to teach me new skills and for your patience in helping to guide me.
Your friend,
June 23, 2010
Dear Thomas Family,
How much we love and respect Richard. So many hours spent solving the problems of our lives, and the world. Such memories stay forever.
Our fondest regards to those he loved the most. Jim/Linda Kemp
Scott Evans
June 23, 2010
Dear Thomas Family,
My thoughts are with you all at this time. I know that my heart if filled with warm memories and delightful moments of fun and hard work because of Richard.
Scott Evans
Kent Soderquist
June 23, 2010
Dear Thomas family
Kaye and I just heard of Richard's passing. We are still in Sweden ans so will miss the funeral. But wanted to let you know of our love and appreciation for Richard and all he did for me.
Your friend
Kent Soderquist
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