Tom C. Thomas

Pocatello - Tom C. Thomas, 73, a 55 year resident of Pocatello, passed away early Tuesday morning December 8, 2009 at his home following an apparent heart attack.

He was born June 22, 1936 in Texarkana, Arkansas, a son of Andrew and Leila Murphy Thomas. He attended schools in Texarkana. He moved to Pocatello in 1954 when he was 18 years old. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona for 8 years and then returned to Pocatello. On September 19, 1959, he married Beverly Carlson in Pocatello. She passed away December 29, 2005.

He worked for the J.R. Simplot Company for 15 years and then for Bannock Paving for 16 years as an equipment operator where he was known as "Tex". He retired from Bannock Paving in 1995. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

He liked animals, restoring cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed drinking coffee and telling stories with his friends.

Survivors include: 2 sons, Tommy Thomas, Phoenix, Arizona; Andy (Julie) Thomas, Pocatello, Idaho; a daughter, Leila Thomas, Phoenix, Arizona; a brother, Roy Thomas, Texas; 2 sisters, Katherine Edwards and Minnie Buchanan, both of Arkansas. 3 grandchildren, Tommy, Madysen and Sydnee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beverly of 47 years, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

Memorial graveside services will held in the Spring at Mountianview Cemetery with time and location to be announced at that time. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the Thomas family at www.manningwheatleyfuneralchapel.com.