Leland J. Thomas

Leland J. Thomas, 95, passed away Monday, February 11th, 2013 at the Washington County Nursing Home in Akron, CO. He was born in Vernon, CO on December 23rd, 1917 to John M. and Lillie C. (Morris) Thomas. His first job, which he started young to help his family, was mucking out barns for 50 cents a day. He later worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps, in various agricultural industries, and eventually the Great Western Sugar Factory from which he later retired.

He was married to Reva Irene Baker on April 20, 1939 in Colorado Springs, CO. They went on to have 4 children, and as they lived many places, always made home where ever they were. Those who knew him would describe him as cheerful and kind, hard working, generous and penny-wise, and always dedicated to his family. Leland could often be found working with horses and livestock, tinkering in his garage, or frequenting auctions and sales.

He is preceded in death by his wife Reva, daughter Eldora Jean and her husband Frank, daughter-in-law Linda, son-in-law Jay, brothers Harry, Ernest, Everett, Kelly, Robert, and Walter, sisters Marie, Margarett, Hazel, Nellie, Norma, and Becky, and half-sisters Kathleen, May, and Jenny. He is survived by his son Eugene, son Richard and his wife Linda, daughter Peggy, sisters Helen and Beulah, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leland will be laid to rest Friday, February 15th with a screwdriver, pliers, and a coil of bailing wire for his journey. The service will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home at 2 pm with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.