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David Neil Thomas
11/28/1932 — 05/19/2006
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Tulare, California
David Neil Thomas
Dave or Neil, depending on which side of his family you were talking to, was born November 28th 1932 in Tulare CA to Arthur and Mary Thomas. He passed away all too soon on May 19th 2006.
He married Elizabeth Ann on November 19th, 1955, and from that union spanning 49 years was born Debra McDonald of Richland, Terry Saxton of Everett and Danny Thomas of Richland. Later in their life they adopted their grandson Ryan Thomas, adding another son to their children.
He made a 20 year career of the Army, serving his country in Korea and the Vietnam war where he was awarded the Purple Heart. After retiring from the army, he went to work at Exxon Nuclear Plant which went through several name changes during his 20 years of service. He finally retired from Framatome as Head of Security.
After Retiring Dave involved himself in many activities such as becoming a member of the Masonic Lodge 283, Masada Shriners, Desert Patrol, Scottish Rite and Amaranth. He also served as Rainbow Dad for the Richland Rainbow Girls. He loved metal detecting and was a member of the Northwest Treasure Hunters club and the Southwest Treasurer Hunters. He also did lock-smithing as a hobby. He was always busy, always doing something. We often joked that it was pretty bad when you had to make an appointment to see your own father.
Dave is survived by his brother Noal Thomas, his two daughters Debra McDonald and Terry Saxton and two sons Danny Thomas and Ryan Thomas; five grandchildren Jessica McDonald, Cara Rockwell, David Stokes, Eva and Danielle; three great-grandchildren Breinna Rockwell, Domnic Rockwell and Tyler Neil McDonald. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents Arthur and Mary Thomas and his three sisters Etta Kruckow, Erma Lee Summers and Fernell Depoali.
He touched many lives in his walk through life, and we will all miss him greatly.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 27, 2006 at Northwest United Protestant Church, Richland, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 PM Friday, May 26th at Einans Funeral Home.
Dave & I go back to his early days at Advanced Nuclear Fuels or Later Exxon, Framatone,
etc. We belonged to the Masonic Lodge together, the same church & worked together on many projects.
We called on each other many times for help on various problems.
I have lost a true friend & will miss him dearly.
I have known Dave from working with him at Exxon, Siemens,Advanced Nuclear Fuels since 1980. He was a very nice and compassionate man. He was a joy to talk to and tell him my worries. He was always there for me and my family and the host of my friends that needed his expertise on changing locks and unlocking a car door with the keys inside. I remember him always bringing Ryan with him to help. I had Dave’s number on speed dial for locks until he moved and gave his number to a tax firm. But with a little detective work I tracked him down for yet another job of changing locks. He gave me his business card and said, “Remember this is just for friends and family, I don’t want to be that busy for everyone.” I just saw Dave not more than a month ago and he didn’t look sick. I am very sorry for your loss and the loss of a great friend. We all will miss him terribly.
I knew Dave from working with him at Siemens/Framatome and of course my Dad. They spent a fair amount of time sitting on my parents’ front porch shooting the breeze between projects, of course. He’s also done my locksmithing for the past 15 years, and was always available for me when I needed him. Such a nice man – he really will be missed.
He was the best grandpa/father ever and he will be missed in my heart but always there for me I know he has gone to a better place and he’s with my grandmother and his sisters and mom and dad.I know he is wacthing over all of us and he will be greatly missed I love you grandpa love jessica and kiss kiss from Tyler
Family and Friends
Personally and as a Masonic Brother, I deeply regret the news of the passing of Dave and extend to the family my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. As a member of Pioneer Lodge #39, located in Pasco, Washington, I have been acquainted with Dave for several years and have always enjoyed his fellowship. He truly represented all that is good in this world and I pray he has received his just wages for his labors. Best wishes to all of the family.
Dave & I go back to his early days at Advanced Nuclear Fuels or Later Exxon, Framatone,
etc. We belonged to the Masonic Lodge together, the same church & worked together on many projects.
We called on each other many times for help on various problems.
I have lost a true friend & will miss him dearly.
I have known Dave from working with him at Exxon, Siemens,Advanced Nuclear Fuels since 1980. He was a very nice and compassionate man. He was a joy to talk to and tell him my worries. He was always there for me and my family and the host of my friends that needed his expertise on changing locks and unlocking a car door with the keys inside. I remember him always bringing Ryan with him to help. I had Dave’s number on speed dial for locks until he moved and gave his number to a tax firm. But with a little detective work I tracked him down for yet another job of changing locks. He gave me his business card and said, “Remember this is just for friends and family, I don’t want to be that busy for everyone.” I just saw Dave not more than a month ago and he didn’t look sick. I am very sorry for your loss and the loss of a great friend. We all will miss him terribly.
I knew Dave from working with him at Siemens/Framatome and of course my Dad. They spent a fair amount of time sitting on my parents’ front porch shooting the breeze between projects, of course. He’s also done my locksmithing for the past 15 years, and was always available for me when I needed him. Such a nice man – he really will be missed.
He was the best grandpa/father ever and he will be missed in my heart but always there for me I know he has gone to a better place and he’s with my grandmother and his sisters and mom and dad.I know he is wacthing over all of us and he will be greatly missed I love you grandpa love jessica and kiss kiss from Tyler
Family and Friends
Personally and as a Masonic Brother, I deeply regret the news of the passing of Dave and extend to the family my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. As a member of Pioneer Lodge #39, located in Pasco, Washington, I have been acquainted with Dave for several years and have always enjoyed his fellowship. He truly represented all that is good in this world and I pray he has received his just wages for his labors. Best wishes to all of the family.
I worked with Dave. He was a great guy that always gave a friendly hello entering the plant. Long, long time ago I locked my keys in the car at work and thought I was in for lots of trouble to get in. I was impressed he opened my door for me in seconds.
To the Family…
I worked with Dave years ago and I remember this one particular incident because it spoke volumes of who Dave was.
One day I came in to work without a sweater or coat and the day turned nasty and cold. Dave went into the back of the Guard “shack” and gave me a guard’s jacket to wear for what I thought was for that day but when I tried to return it, he told me to just keep it… we were probably going to change names anyway, and a few months later, we did… Framatome. And I still have that jacket!
He will be missed.
Dave, may you forever rest in the sweet arms of Jesus, but knowing you, you’re probably trying to fix the lock to heaven… Rest on my friend.
I first met Dave when he joined the Masons in 1996. Whenever anyone needed a hand, Dave was there. I am going to miss Dave a great deal. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I knew Dave back in the Exxon days. He was a great man, always joking and giving me a hard time as I entered the plant. He also did locksmithing for me. To the family my deepest sympathy to you all. He truly will be missed.
Guestbook for
David Neil Thomas