Donald Thomas

Donald Thomas Sr. passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 4, 1937. His father was a preacher, so Don moved around quite a bit as a child. Along with living in California, he resided in Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. He graduated from Escondido High School in 1955 and married his wife Roberta on June 30, 1956. He began his working career in an ice factory and then as a gas station attendant specializing in lube rack operation. Later, Don and Roberta opened and operated Don’s Escondido Cycle Shop for 11 years. After selling the business, Don attended auto body vocational classes at Palomar College and went on to be employed at San Marcos Auto body for 10 years.

Don was both industrious and adventurous. In his younger years, Don could be found at the track, racing both street bikes and go-carts. Later he would enjoy dune-buggying and ATV riding with friends and family. Having the blessings of an early retirement, both Don and Roberta traveled the world. They loved their motor home and never let it stay parked in one place for long. But his great love was restoring and showing off his many vintage cars. In 1972, he decided to purchase property in Beaver, Utah, where he and Roberta peacefully spent many summers. Over the course of many years, he developed the property and moved permanently from California to Beaver in 2013.

As a teenager, Don became a lifelong Christian after being saved at Camp Cedar Crest in California. His faithful service to the Lord continued throughout his life. He was instrumental in the building of the First Baptist Church in Beaver. He was also a member of the choir and participated in Sunday school as well as being involved in Vacation Bible School. Both Don and Roberta served with a group called SOWERS, helping to build churches around the nation.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Roberta Mason Thomas. He is survived by his three children: Donald Thomas Jr., and wife Elizabeth, Terry Thomas and wife Valerie, and Melanie Thomas Lightfoot and husband Ashley. His grandchildren are Amber Thomas, Jared Thomas and wife Taylor, Tamara Thomas and late husband Lalo McCoy, Deanna Thomas Dondey and husband Craig, Chelsea Lightfoot and husband Chris Patton, Carson Lightfoot and wife Kayce. His great-grandchildren are Addyson Thomas, Colton Thomas, Bryce Dondey, Lincoln Dondey, and Brooklyn Dondey.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 am at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W, Cedar City, UT). Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:30 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park (2640 Glenridge Rd., Escondido, CA) under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.