Walter Allen Thomas

Walter Allen Thomas, 89, of Mesa, Arizona went to be with the angels on April 13, 2015. Walter was born on August 22, 1925 in Garden Prairie, Illinois. Walter had a few jobs over the years, from a dairy farmer to a semi-truck driver and cement truck driver. He was always a farmer at heart. He is survived by his wife of 16 years Rosemary Ellen Garvey Thomas, children Judith Thomas (James) Visger, Gerald (Vickie) Thomas, Donald (Kay)Thomas, Janet Thomas (Hank) Zeilstra, 10 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren, Sister Vertie Thomas (Raymond) Carlson, and a bounty of other family members. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 52 years Barbara Jane Silvius, mother Grace Entwhistle Thomas and father John Roland Thomas. Walter served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during WWII as a radio man, seaman 2nd Class. This past October he enjoyed a trip to Washington DC on the Honor Flight, honoring WWII Veterans. He was a longstanding member of the American Legion, a Teamster and a Bonus Grange member. Walter had a heart of gold, a loving and caring man who according to him, 'never met a stranger'. He will be deeply missed by all he has left behind. Visitation will be Sunday April 19th from 3-5PM and Funeral services held on Monday, April 20th at 1PM, located at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248. In lieu of flowers, Walter's Family would suggest donations to The Wounded Warrior Project.