Walter James Thomas' Obituary
Walter James Thomas passed away on February 18, 2025, at his home in West Jordan, Utah. He was 96 years old and always said he was lucky, lucky, lucky.
Walter was born to Daniel and Mary Thomas on March 24, 1928, in their home at Medicine Lodge Creek, Small, Idaho, and named by the whole town two weeks later when the neighbors had had enough of “no-name Thomas” and the mayor passed around a hat for a vote. “Walter” and “James” were the names suggested the most times.
The Thomases ranched, and Walter loved nothing more than riding and breaking horses. He was tough as nails and could do anything.
When he was still young, Walter’s family bought a combination dance hall and hot springs resort, Lidy Hot Springs, and he became a great swimmer and dancer. His job at the dance hall was to notice the girls who didn't have a partner and ask them to dance. He was hot stuff in that little town, and after he stole the love of his life, Betsy Joy Willes, from a college man who’d nearly wooed her down in BYU, everyone she showed Walter’s picture to thought she was marrying a movie star.
Walter did a variety of jobs throughout his life, including traveling the United States laying telephone lines for AT&T, welding for the Atomic Energy Commission, farming, and quarrying stone in the mountains of southern Idaho.
Life took a drastic turn in 1982 when a train hit Walter while he was driving a dump truck. He suffered a brain injury and broken bones, including in his neck and hip, but he survived and continued to help wherever he could.
He also became a wonderful painter and artist and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding a position as high priest secretary in his ward for many, many years.
It has been said that just being in the same room as Walter made you a better person. He was a cheerful man who greatly loved his Heavenly Father, his family, and his friends and who was greatly loved in return.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Daniel, Gerald, Byron, and William; his wife, Betsy; his children Renee and Evan; and one great-grandson, Tanner.
He is survived by his brother John; his children Candy (Russell) Powell, Toni Martens, and Lon (Beverley) Thomas; daughter-in-law Nola (Bob) Philpot; 16 grandchildren; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express gratitude to the countless friends and neighbors who loved and helped Walter, especially the Gneitings and the Ormes. We also want to express our particular love and gratitude to Toni, who cared for Walter and Betsy as they aged. She has been the epitome of service, dedication, and love.
A funeral service and celebration of Walter's life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, in the Latter-day Saint chapel at 7645 S. 3200 West in West Jordan. There will not be a viewing.
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