Arven G. Thomas, 84
Arven G. Thomas, 84, of Hayden, passed away July 28, 2012. He was born Sept. 16, 1927, to Harry and Opal Thomas in Pompey’s Pillar, Mont. He was the second of four sons and one daughter. He spent the majority of his life in the Pacific Northwest.
He served in the military from 1944 to 1947.
His main career was with the Commercial Creamery Company, working his way up to Plant Manager. He started three new plants for the company, in Afton, Wyo., Jerome and Louisville, Ky. He retired from the company in 1983 but remained a consultant for about 10 years. During most of this time, he was married to Charlotte Poe, and to this union two daughters were born. A previous marriage gave him a daughter, Sherilyn, who passed away in 1989.
On July 20, 1985, Arven married Doris Aja in Jerome. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home, fishing and meeting new friends along the way. Arven was a past member of the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Lodge. He loved the outdoors, camping and fishing his favorite. He also enjoyed working with wood and building projects around his home. He was a wonderful husband and a loving father.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Doris, of Hayden; daughters, Linda Herrin (John), Carolyn Thomas (Clay) of Thermopolis, Wyo., and Jozalyn Flores; his brothers, Eldon Thomas of Elgin, Texas, and Dorian Thomas of Post Falls; his granddaughter, Kristi Thomas Herrin; grandson Nathan Thomas; as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dale and Jule; his sister, Ardis and his daughter, Sherilyn.
Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 1, 2012, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, with military honors. A reception to share memories will be held at his home, 12082 N. Forest Road, Hayden, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of North Idaho.
Visit Arven’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.