Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas (nee Thomasian). The old golfer's final round is over and he's now with that big PGA Tour in the sky. . . Mark passed away Jan. 12, 2014 in Grants Pass, OR, with loving daughters Janie Duewel and Carrie Jo Gragg (William) at his side. He was 89. Mark's love of golf reached its high point when he was named Assistant Tournament Director of the PGA in l952. He served in that position for more than ten years, enjoying friendships and travel with many of golf's greats including Jack Nicholas, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Tommy Jacobs, and the late Tony Lema. After leaving the PGA, Mark was hired as an executive with System Disposal Company in Southern California and Portland, Oregon for 15 years. He was married to Nancy Johnson in Conway, SC in 1963 and they were later divorced. Born on Oct. 2, 1924 in Providence, RI, Mark was a young child when the family moved to Los Angeles, where he was raised. After graduating from Garfield High School he joined the Navy and served in Guam, Iwo Jima and Tinian Island. Following his honorable discharge he earned a degree in history from Stanford University where he played football his freshman year and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. In addition to his two daughters and four grandchildren, he is survived by sisters Alice Hovey (Raymond) of Los Angeles and Flo Snyder-Speck (Dale) of Carmel and Palm Desert. He will be missed by beloved cousins Alice Farmanian of Glendale and Souren and Margie Khteian of Monterey Park. He is predeceased by daughter Linda Beringer.