Joshua Robert Thomas' Obituary
Beloved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend
In the early morning of July 20, Joshua Robert Thomas of Herriman, UT, tragically passed away in a car accident when a driver ran a red light and hit his vehicle, just four days before his 35th birthday.
Josh was born on July 24, 1990, in Layton, Utah, to Robert and Vera Thomas. At a young age, Josh had a love for cars and the outdoors, which continued to grow as he did. Josh would spend hours in the dirt playing with his Tonka trucks, excavator, and backhoes. His father, Robert, also recalls a time he caught Josh and his oldest sister, Aubree, repeatedly climbing up the rear window louvers of his modified bright yellow and blue-striped Corvette. When confronted, they innocently told him that it looked like the car had stairs on it, so that’s what they were using to climb the car, so they could slide down the windshield and hood.
Later, as a teen, Josh attended Davis High School, where he enjoyed taking woodworking, autobody, playing trombone in band, and being a peer tutor in special education classes. These courses gave him opportunities to build hands-on skills, express himself creatively, and form meaningful friendships. He was a great example of kindness, humor, and the ability to genuinely connect with others.
Josh, throughout his life, was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his Duty to God and Eagle Scout awards and, later as a young adult, honorably served two years as a full-time missionary in the Michigan Lansing Mission (2010-2012).
After his mission, when it came to choosing an occupation, everyone felt it was the perfect fit that Josh jumped into landscaping. His mother, Vera, recalled that when he was young, she gave him the choice to do indoor chores or yardwork. Josh immediately chose yardwork, and when she asked why, he replied, “Because outside, I’m free!”
Josh excelled in his field of work, which led him to establish his own landscaping company, NatureScapes. Josh’s passion for the outdoors, coupled with his love of people, made this more than just a business. His employees and clients often became close friends, and many even felt like family.
Far above his career, however, Josh’s greatest joy in life was being a father to his two beautiful children, Sophia and Colton. They were the light of his life, and he loved them with all of his heart. Josh and Sophia were especially inseparable, and their similarities showed in both their personalities and interests in country music, lifted diesel trucks, sports cars, and racing.
Josh, of course, also loved spending time with his whole family, especially when it came to adventures and making memories by beening a soccer coach, country swing dancing, tearing it up on the sand dunes, water and snow sports, go-karting, and so much more.
Josh lived life to the fullest and was the life of the party, rambunctious, competitive, free-spirited, and a huge tease. Josh was also an example of perseverance, faith, and hope. He continually devoted much of his time to serving others, helping teach a children’s Primary class, and sharing his beliefs. A phrase he would often say, quoting current prophet Russell M. Nelson, was, “Think Celestial.”
We know that although Josh isn’t with us physically, he’s still in each of our hearts, and his spirit is residing in the heavens with those who have passed on before. Josh believed that, through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can all be saved, redeemed, changed, and that death is not and will not be the end. We know we will see Josh again, face-to-face, when the Savior comes again, and we look forward to that joyous reunion. We love you, Josh, and will forever be grateful that God made it possible for you to be a part of our lives.
Josh is survived by his wife, Bekah Thomas; his former wife, McKenzie Thomas; his beloved children, Sophia and Colton; his parents, Robert Thomas, Vera Thomas, in-laws, Dave and Tiff Richards; and his siblings: Aubree (Nate) Folkersen, Kylee (Josh) Swenson, Ben (Kara) Thomas, and Emilee Thomas.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald & LaRae Thomas, James Gardner, and many other family members and friends on the other side who were there to welcome him back to our heavenly home.
Josh, God be with you until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations towards funeral expenses and funds for his children would be greatly appreciated: https://gofund.me/ecb3c325 or American First Credit Union charitable account under the name "Children of Josh Thomas Sophia and Colton Thomas"
Services
Friday, August 8
Viewing: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
LDS Church Placid Rose Ward
14550 Juniper Crest Rd
Herriman, UT 84065
Saturday, August 9
Viewing: 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Funeral: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LDS Church Winderbrook Ward
4366 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Zoom Link:
Aug 9, 2025 10:45 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/99743366516?pwd=EWWIfQSBhI6Rmi1FQkYZPTe5qsnWTJ.1Meeting ID: 997 4336 6516
Passcode: 814100
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