Dean Elbert Thomas

Dean Elbert Thomas

November 20, 1928-December 25, 2019

At the age of 91, Dean Elbert Thomas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. Dean was born to Harvey and Victoria Thomas on November 20, 1928. He was the seventh child born in a family of fifteen. Growing up, Dean worked on a ranch then entered the service in 1950. He served in the Korean war stationed in Alaska, where he assisted building roads to radar towers. Prior to leaving he married Melva Freeman on January 27,1950. That same year they welcomed their first son Roger, and nine more children after that. After being discharged from the military, Dean worked and served as a member of Local 3 Operating Engineers Union for 56 years. For 27 of those years he worked at Utah Sand and Gravel.

Dean was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and close friends. He enjoyed being on the mountain hunting and fishing where he spent valuable time making memories with his siblings, children, grandchildren, nephews, and friends. Dean enjoyed working with his hands, tinkering in his workshop, working on his rock garden, growing vegetables, and watching his cowboy shows. He was known to many as Grandpa Dean. He loved this title most of all, when one of his grandchildren came by, he would light up with delight, always offering them a piece of candy or cookie, in exchange for a kiss. Dean was known for his tough demeanor, but all who knew him saw his soft tender heart.

Dean had a love for animals, especially the stray neighborhood cats. He would put food on the back doorstep to see the cats come by every day and show his grandkids. One of his greatest loves was his little chihuahua Pedro. Pedro was another child to him; he was always along for the ride. He was Dean’s guard dog, scaring off ALL the big dogs on the block. Grandpa Dean would tell Pedro “sick’em, get’em out of here.” And his little fat dog would go barking his head off, scaring the dogs off the lawn and Dean would laugh.

Dean and Melva raised 9 children in their home in Murry Utah, where they have resided for 47 years. They have celebrated 69 wonderful years of marriage. As their family grew, they welcomed 42 Grandchildren, 72 great-Grandchildren, and 25 great-great Grandchildren.  With a five-generation family it was still tradition to get together for many holidays, family reunions, and Dean never missed one.

This grumpy old man was the love of many lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On Christmas Day Jesus you received our greatest gift in heaven our Dad, and our Grandpa.

Dean is Preceded in Death by his mother and father; five brothers and five sisters; his Son Drake; his granddaughter Spring; Grandsons Dean, Mason, Leland and James Elliott; and lastly, his dog Pedro.

Dean is survived by his darling wife Melva Thomas; His Children Roger (Vicki), Rick, Becky Lassalle (Dean), Suzette Boren,  Delwin (Crystal), Lyndon, Kelly (Lori), Marvin (Melody), Pernell (Pam); His siblings Molly, Cleda(Bob), Vicki, and Tommy; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.

A viewing will be held in honor of his memory Monday December 30, 2019 at 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 31, 2019 at 11am, with a viewing an hour prior. Location: Russon Mortuary 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah. Graveside services to follow at Bountiful City Cemetery 224 So. 200 W. Bountiful, Utah.