William Thomas

William “Bill” Thomas (74) passed away suddenly and completely unexpected Monday, January 8th at Summit Medical Center. His lovely Bride of 50 years had been admitted to the ICU earlier that day and Bill was coming to visit with her, upon entering the hospital lobby, Bill collapsed and suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. He did not suffer and he was not alone. Bill leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Carol (Buxton) Thomas, his two daughters, Brenda L. ( Alix Carlson) Thomas and Carolyn (Thomas) (Jeffrey) Cook, his two well-loved dogs, Jimmy Dean and Carlos, grandson Austin Brown, Brennen Cook, granddaughters Natalee and Larayna Cook, his two nephews who were more like sons, Brandon Thomas and Bob (Gail) Bertich, his sisters Lorraine Bertich and Darlene (Butchie) Laguna, various nephews, nieces and many other family members and close friends. Bill was preceded in death by three brothers. Bill was born in Chicago Ill. The son of William “Bill” Thomas Jr. and Anna Bernice (Woodhouse) Thomas, they moved to Arizona when he was a small child. Bills family was in the aviation business, as his father was a “barnstorming pilot” and was the driving force behind Mission Flying Service, which is known today as the Tucson International Airport. Bill started his working career in the grocery store business; he started as a produce department manager for AJ Bayless grocery store chains in Tucson. Bill has always been passionate about living life to the fullest. Over his course of life, he owned many toys, like motorcycles, a Corvette, sailboat and his number one passion…firetrucks! Bill was a firefighter for the Rural Metro fire department for many years. Bill was a “jack of all trades” he enjoyed escorting funerals while still living in Tucson, was an auxiliary reserve police officer in Show Low, was a member of the Show Low city council and had many personal business’s, for example High County Security and a Little Debbie snack distributor route. He retired from the Safeway Fuel station just a couple of years ago. Bill loved his family, he had a great relationship with both his parents, he truly loved his father and mother and this loved reflected upon how he treated his wife and two baby girls. Bill loved his yard, passionate about his grass, tenderly grooming and watering it daily. Bill loved America, he was patriotic, a man of integrity, honor and courage. Bill loved Arizona and the beautiful city of Show Low. Bill knew numbers/figures and fashion. He loved shoes, music, office supplies, planes-trains-automobiles, problem solving and a good argument; Bill always had to have the last word! Bill was loved by many, hated by some; he was a true crusader, a knight in shining armor, the family protector. He would go above and beyond, truly a one of a kind gentleman. Bill had a great personality and loved to joke around. He supported his two daughters in any and every decision; he was a great father, always there. Bill will be deeply missed by his wife and baby girls, and most especially his four legged babies. His legacy will continue through the integrity and values he instilled in his children and all who had the pleasure of calling him friend. A memorial service has been planned for Friday, January 26th. Public viewing is scheduled for 1pm with a memorial service scheduled at 2pm at Owens Mortuary located at 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, AZ. Graveside services are planned for Monday, January 29th at 11am at South Lawn Cemetery located at 5401 S. Park Avenue in Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly asking for monetary donations to help with the cost of Bills funeral. Donations can be made to William “Bill” Thomas go fund me page through Facebook or electronically via Chase Bank account # 3636019276 routing # 122100024 Thomas/Cook.  The Thomas family gives their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love and support at this difficult time. Owens mortuary has set up a comment page through their website at Owens Livingston Mortuary.com