Medical Springs, Oregon
Ronald “Ron” Thomas, 70, passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at his home in Medical Springs.
At Ron’s request, disposition will take place at Gray’s West Pioneer Crematory. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave.
Ron was born on May 17, 1932, to Clinton M. and Lillie Houseman Thomas at Hebron, Neb. He grew up and graduated from high school at Watsonville, Calif. On May 17, 1953, Ron married Norma Kaufman. The couple had three children, Pamela, Linda and Jim.
Ronald lived an adventurous life. He served in the U.S. Army, homesteaded in Alaska and fulfilled his dream of having a ranch. He also learned to make guitars and dobroes from his friend Pete Haynes. Ron loved playing music and singing, especially with his family.
Ron belonged to the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Stewards of the Range, and was proud to be an National Rifle Association member.
He was a hard-working man who would always take time to help his friends and neighbors. We will all miss his humor and wit. Mostly, we will miss him.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Norma Thomas; his daughters, Pamela Walker, and her husband, Bruce, Linda Mann and her husband, Michael; a son, Jim Thomas, and his wife, Jodi; grandchildren, Travis and Misty Walker, Ray Walker, Tonya and Jon Sanborn, Curtis Burnett, Michael Thomas and Monica Thomas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Connection of Baker County or to the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, February 28, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor