Elwyn Thomas

1925 - 2017

Elwyn LaVoy Thomas, 92, formerly of Idaho Falls, passed away August 8, 2017, at his daughter's home, in Orem, Utah.

LaVoy was born February 6, 1925, in Willard, Utah, to John Elias Thomas and Persis Amanda Brown Thomas. He grew up and attended schools in McCammon and Pocatello, Idaho, and graduated from Pocatello High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served his country in World War II as a Second Class Signalman. He also attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1952. He later earned his Master's degree in sociology from Brigham Young University.

On June 3, 1952, he married Anna June McNeely in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS temple. To this union were born five children, Michelle, David, Roxanne, Jamie and Kevin. LaVoy and June made their home in Provo, Shelley, Rexburg, Menan, and finally in Idaho Falls where they spent over 50 years. He was an LDS seminary teacher for 38 years.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the American Veterans Federation, and the American Legion. He served a three year mission in the Southern States Mission (Spanish speaking) at age 23 after his naval service. He enjoyed fishing, playing games, sports and most of all spending time with his family.

LaVoy is survived by daughter, Michelle Thomas Bell (Scott) currently serving a mission in Managua, Nicaragua; son, David LaVoy Thomas (Denise) of Ojai, CA; daughter, Roxanne Thomas Peterson (Paul) of Orem, UT; daughter, Jamie Thomas Wheat (Jeff) of American Fork, UT; son, Kevin Elias Thomas (Catherine) of Santa Fe, NM; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Elias Thomas, mother, Persis Amanda Thomas; brother, Stanley Elias Thomas, brother, Elmer John Thomas, brother, George Edmund Thomas; sister, Helen Cannon, sister, Marjorie Rowe, great-grandson, LaVoy Scott Bell and his wife, Anna June McNeely Thomas.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Idaho Falls LDS Home Ranch Ward, 2051 South Emerson (corner of 21st St and Higbee Ave.), with Bishop Todd Hillam officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Norton Cemetery in McCammon.

Military rites will be performed by the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Team and Navy Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.