Jeff W. Thomas

On June 14, 2024, Jeff W. Thomas passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his family, at the age of 64. He was born on June 27, 1959, in Brigham City, Utah to Duane W. Thomas and Theo Cutler Morgan. Jeff married Robbin Liliane Nye Thomas in 1982. They were blessed with four children, they later divorced. Throughout his life, Jeff resided in various places. While living in Cody, Wyoming he enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, and causing mischief with his dear friend Sheldon. He later moved to Tremonton, Utah, where he enjoyed playing football and worked at Miller's, in Hyrum, where he spent his time lugging beef quarters on his shoulder, to hang on a swinging hook. Due to Jeff's short legs this required him to put in a little extra "umph" to reach the hook. Jeff soon found himself moving back to Grouse Creek, Utah, to help on the ranch, due to his dad's back injury. His home has always been and will always be Grouse Creek, Utah. He always enjoyed spending time with his Grandpa Bill. Jeff marched to the beat of his own drum with his long blonde, well kept, hair.

He later purchased Red Butte Ranch from Grandpa Bill. The time Jeff spent on the ranch proved him to be a cowman. No one knew their herd quite like Jeff did. He later went on to purchase sheep and enjoyed hiring the sheep shearers from Australia and New Zealand and was amazed at how quickly and efficiently they sheered his sheep. Jeff and Robbin enjoyed helping the Firemen provide the meal for the Fireman's Labor Day cookout. There you could load your plate with beef and lamb from the pit, Dutch oven sweet and sour chicken, Dutch oven potatoes, corn on the cob, and homemade rolls. Jeff wasn't one to use his grill, he mastered the art of his Dutch ovens.

Jeff unfortunately had to leave his beloved ranch and hometown and did his best starting over with his family in Malta, Idaho. He worked a handful of jobs that included being an equipment operator at the Malta Feedlot, driving truck for Thomas Delivery Services, and hauling local commodities for Winner's Circle. He spent many hours chasing his kids around to their various sporting events, plays, concerts, and extracurricular activities.

Jeff eventually ended up in Blackfoot, Idaho where he contributed his expertise as an equipment operator/supervisor for Transystems.

In 2018, Jeff suffered a stroke that caused for an early retirement in 2020. During his retirement he took pleasure in spending time with his kids and grandkids. Traveling to Yellowstone National Park was one of the many traditions that always brought his kids together for special memories, a good laugh, and some quality time. Jeff's childhood was none of fairytales and rainbows but he never complained. It provided a promise he made to himself to be the best dad and provider that he could be. He always made sure that his family was never without and took on many side jobs that included raising calves on nurse cows, custom farming, water master, fencing, and cutting and selling cedar fence posts.

Jeff had a rough exterior but a heart of gold. He would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. When people would get snowed in, he would clear out their lanes and driveways and never expected anything in return.

Jeff enjoyed hunting and helping with guided hunts, sitting around with his friends and family for good conversation, taking drives in his truck listening to music, and singing. Jeff was a phenomenal singer. He loved a good cigarette and an ice-cold Pepsi. Nothing could cheer him up faster than a homemade roll and a chocolate chip cookie. 

Jeff was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Jeff never went without telling his kids how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. His kids were his pride and joy. Jeff will be missed by many but will be sorely missed by his children. His infectious big smile, contagious laugh, beautiful blue eyes, strong comforting hugs, the biggest set of shoulders to cry on, and having the best listening ear is just a tiny list that will be cherished and longed for. His legacy lives on through his four children: Laci Thomas (Tracy Priester) of Twin Falls, Idaho, Tyrell Cotton (Wendy) Thomas of Idaho Falls, Idaho, William D. Thomas of Mackay, Idaho, and Danielle Germaine (Ty) Sayler of Thermopolis, Wyoming; siblings Tom D. Thomas of Burley, Idaho and Jodi (Jeff) Robbins of Garland, Utah; along with 8 grandchildren and one on the way.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. 

A graveside will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11 A.M. at the Grouse Creek Cemetery (12275 N Grouse Creek Rd, Grouse Creek, Utah). A viewing will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 6-8 P.M at Rudd Funeral Home- Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton). 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the University of Utah Hospital and staff for their exceptional care during Jeff's time of need.