Baker City, Oregon
Isaiah Paul Thomas, 19, of Baker City died Jan. 20, 2001, as the result of an automobile accident.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Ed Niswinder of Calvary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be at the Haines Cemetery. For visitation times, call Coles-Strommer Funeral Home, 523-4300.
Isaiah was born in Boise on May 10, 1981, the son of Charles and Linda McElhose Thomas. As a youngster, he was involved in many typical activities of Baker youth.
He was involved in various sports at the YMCA, but soccer was his passion. He had a paper route with Baker City Herald and was awarded “Carrier of the Month.”
He participated in 4-H programs, and he received an invitation to state for his “demonstration project.” Biking, hiking, and camping were some of his favorite activities with friends and family.
He was home educated with the aid of excellent tutors and a home-education support group. He also attended classes at Baker High School.
He had superior math skills, and he loved to read. Because of his exceptional scores, Isaiah was accepted into the Navy Nuclear Program. His goal was to attain a position on a nuclear submarine.
He had just graduated from the Power Training School and had begun Prototype School. He was very excited with the “hands on” training he was receiving and was excelling.
He was raised with a knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He and his family attended Calvary Baptist Church, though he had friends from various churches.
He was preceded in death by his loving grandfather, Jack A. Thomas Jr. and cousin, Joshua Tomlinson.
Survivors include his parents, Charles and Linda Thomas of Baker City; brother and wife, Jeremiah and Mary Thomas; sister Char-Lette “Charlie” Thomas; sister and husband, Honalee and Adam Smith; sister, Spring Thomas; Adena Ashby; grandmothers, Anita Thomas and Diane Proctor; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
During his teen years, he was contemplating becoming a New Tribes missionary. He had many friends associated with New Tribes. Memorial contributions may be made to New Tribes Missions through Coles-Strommer Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Oregon 97814.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 26, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor