Leo was born on January 9, 1945 in the Ak-Chin Indian Community to Anthony and Phillipi Thomas. He graduated high school from Stewart Indian High School, Stewart, Nevada and attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Leo was a proud Army veteran who completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. After his discharge from the Army in 1968, Leo served in various administrative positions within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. He formerly served as the Vice-Chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council, Chairman of the Ak-Chin Housing Board of Commissioners and Chairman of the Ak-Chin Tribal Gaming Commission.
Leo and his wife, Imogene, were joined in marriage on June 29, 1996 in the Ak-Chin Indian Community. He loved to listen to music (conjuncto) and listening to history tapes provided from Sun Sound.
Leo had a positive attitude, was easy to talk with and was always willing to offer any advice and words of encouragement to others. He was known to say, "Believe in yourself. When a negative thought enters your mind, cancel it out and keep the faith. As you grow, always learn something new and continue to improve yourself."
Leo is survived by his wife, Imogene Thomas, and his sisters, Adeline and Patricia Thomas, both of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. He is also survived by 7 nieces, 1 nephew, 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Phillipi Thomas, brothers, Gregory and Gary Thomas and sisters, Darlene, Joyce, and Anna Thomas.
Leo will be immensely missed by his family and friends but they all look forward to being all together again.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Ak-Chin Indian Community Gymnasium, 46753 W Farrell Road, Maricopa, AZ.
Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 9:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Mission Ak-Chin, 16657 N Church Road, Maricopa, AZ.
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