George Walter "Scooter" Thomas

1940 - 2025

GEORGE WALTER THOMAS, 85, of Blythe, California, went to his eternal home on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

He was born January 26, 1940, in Jackson, Tennessee to Prentiss and Samella Thomas. He lived a life full of love, faith and service to others. George was the youngest of four children and was affectionately known by many as "Scooter."

George attended school in Jackson, Tennessee, and graduated from Merry High School. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany for four years as a first-aid attendant. He was honorably discharged on May 28, 1964.

He earned two Master's Degrees: one from California State University in Los Angeles and one from Azusa Pacific University. George then accepted an administrative position as Vice-Principal of the Blythe Middle School. After relocating to Blythe, he began a Doctoral program from the University of San Francisco and for three years, he drove from Blythe to San Francisco for classes on Friday afternoon and would return to Blythe on Sunday. He completed this program and received his Doctorate in Education in 1989. George was later promoted to principal of the Middle School and later transferred to the Palo Verde High School where he taught math until his retirement in 2008 after 40+ years in education.

George began his political career in Blythe. He served on the Blythe City Council for four terms, serving as Vice-Mayor for two terms. He loved serving on the council and assisted the city to make many changes for the community including serving on committees to bring the prisons to the valley. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, member and past president of the Blythe Rotary Club. He also served many years on the Palo Verde College Board of Trustees until his death.

George was a faithful member of Saint Paul Baptist Church in Blythe for 48 years. He joined the Senior Choir, Men's Chorus, Usher Board, Layman's Ministry, was the Adult Sunday School teacher, served as a Trustee and later ordained as a Deacon.

He became a member and long-term Worshipful Master of Palo Verde Lodge No. 37, Free and Accepted Masons. He was a member and Worthy Patron of the Evergreen Chapter No. 65, Order of the Eastern Star.

George was preceded in death by his father, Prentiss; his mother, Samella; and his sister, Prentiss Jean Hatten.

To cherish his memory, George leaves his loving wife and soulmate of 43 years, Marcella [Ector] Thomas; his cherished daughter and sidekick, Danielle Thomas of Washington, DC; his daughter, Vallery Thomas of Grand Rapids, MI; his son, Thomas Harris of Las Vegas, NV; and three sisters. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a grand-dog, Scout; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Frye Chapel on Monday, November 17. Visitation will begin at 9:30am and the service will begin at 11am. Burial will follow at Palo Verde Cemetery.