Cecil Thomas

Twin Falls - On May 13, 2009, Cecil (Tom) Thomas passed from this life into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at his home surrounded by his family. Tom was born February 15, 1926, in Gardena, California to Doris Slater and Cecil Dewitt Thomas Sr. He attended school and at age 17 enlisted in the Navy in 1943. He served with the B-24 Squadron VP117 off the carrier USS Tarawa, and in the South Pacific Islands of Saipan and Tinian. As a nose gunner, Tom is credited with several successful missions, earning him a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Presidential Citation. On February 26, 1945, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Delores Molle. They lived in Bellflower, Fullerton, and Fallbrook California, before settling in Heyburn in 1973, and finally Twin Falls, Idaho. Tom and Dee were married 64 years, and raised a family of thee sons (Gary, Ron, and Ryan), and two daughters (Jan and Sharon). The family enjoyed camping, boating and fishing trips together for over 40 years. Tom owned and operated Tommy's Garage in Burley with his sons for many years before retiring in 1978. He came out of retirement several times to be able to purchase a new boat or motor home. Tom's favorite pastime was fishing. From opening day, to the close of the fishing season, no excuse was ever needed to get on the water and wet a line. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing his love of fishing with his grandkids. Besides fishing, Tom loved working with wood and building camping furniture for family and friends. Any spare time was spent in his workshop puttering on his latest project. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and listening to music. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Gary (Bette) Thomas, daughter-in- law Tami Thomas, and great granddaughter Aimee Heinemann. He is survived by his wife Delores, his sister Shirley Bolton, daughters Jan and Sharon (Bruce Stephens) and sons Ron (Joy) and Ryan (Karen), thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. Tom was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as an elder in the past. His love for his Lord and Savior was reflected in the way he loved his wife, raised his family and lived his life. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 18 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2055 Filer Ave E. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom's name to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the care of Parke's Funeral Home.