Edward Simms Thomas

Ed quietly slipped away at his home in Bountiful Utah on March 11, 2025 at the age of 88 years old, a few days shy of his 89th birthday. He was born on April 1, 1936 in Salt Lake City Utah. He was the youngest of 4 children born to Desmond Lyle Thomas and Margaret Lena Olsen.

Ed was born and raised in Rose Park Utah. His mother passed away when he was 9 years old due to an automobile accident. He was raised by his father and brothers. He was a very quiet man but loved to play jokes. He loved sports and was very good at them. He was active his whole life. He attended West High School and played baseball and football. He received a full ride scholarship to Utah State University and played football and baseball.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission. He also graduated from Officers Candidate School as 2nd Lt in the army, was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served a year at Fort Hood Texas. After returning, he married Janet Ann Strong in the Logan Utah Temple on September 14, 1962. Together they raised 5 children - Mark, Stephen, Darla, Kirk and Amy.

Ed was a school teacher and coach at West High School. While teaching Math and Drivers Education, he was also an assistant Sophomore Football Coach for 5 years. He coached Sophomore, JV, and was an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach for 13 years while winning the State championship in 1975. He coached Golf for 13 years and won a State Championship with the help of Toni Finau. He coached the Tennis Team for 25 years, winning 3 State Titles. Ed was honored as Coach of the Year by the State High School Activities Association in 1995.

He received his pilot’s license and loved to fly. He grew up boating with his brothers and loved to ski and visit Lake Powell with his family.He was a wonderful father and husband. 

He was generous to all with everything he had. If he knew you needed something, he would be the first to give support. He loved Mom with all his heart. He was the champion, best friend, and caretaker for his oldest son Mark who became ill from encephalitis at a young age. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). For 62 years Ed gave his life in service to his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and their wives - Desmond (Betty), Kenneth (Marji), Keith (Polly); and great granddaughter Tina Rae Thomas.Ed leaves behind his wife Janet Ann Thomas, daughters Darla Caldwell (Todd), Amy Barney, sons Mark, Stephen (Tamara), and Kirk (Darlene); 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at the Bountiful Utah Orchard Stake Center, 3599 South Orchard Drive. Friends and family may visit Friday between 6:00-8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary. 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, and Saturday 9:30-10:30 am at the Church prior to services. Interment will be at the Bountiful Utah Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.