Ivan W. Thomas

Bill, or Billy as he was known to most of his friends, was born in Snowflake, AZ to Vada Rogers Thomas and William Wood Thomas on January 12, 1943.Bill was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and grandfather.  He also had many lifetime friends, as he lived most of his life here in the White Mountains.As a young man, Bill served in the United States Army, and he was a great mechanic, logger and welder. Bill loved to hunt and he passed that love of hunting along to his children and grandchildren.Bill passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Pamela Rogers Thomas; daughters, Kimberly Thomas Chappell of Show Low, Jennifer Thomas of Linden, and Lynn Hanson of Pahrump, NV; & son, Jessie Hanson of San Tan Valley. Bill was very close to his family. He also leaves behind his brother, Larrie Thomas of Las Vegas, NV and sisters, Delonna Oskouee of Tucson, Nelcine Holland of Phoenix and Jenene Gilpin of Linden, in addition to numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his daughters, Karen and Melanie and son Chris.Everyone who remembers Bill is encouraged to celebrate his life in their own way, because Bill lived a good life and he will be remembered as a storyteller, a great father and good friend. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.Funeral services will be held at the Linden Valley LDS Chapel, 971 Timberland Rd, Show Low (Linden),  Saturday, February 11, 2017, at 11:00 am with visitation 1 hour prior.  Burial will follow at the Show Low Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family.