William Dean Thomas
January 2, 1931 — November 14, 2023
William “Bill” Dean Thomas, 92, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, with his family by his side. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place and private family services will be held. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
Bill was born on January 2, 1931, in Iowa City, the son of Raymond A. and Lora N. (Olsen) Thomas. He was a 1949 graduate of Iowa City High School and went on to attend the University of Iowa. On June 14, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to Yvonne Zelpha DeArmond in Iowa City. He then served honorably in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955. Bill worked for 17 years as a mechanical engineer for Collins and then for Lefebure for 24 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church, was a Mason, served as both an explorer and Scout leader with the Boy Scouts for 30 years, where he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Bill volunteered as a Docent of the Art Museum, Granger House, Marion Heritage Center, and gave field tours of Linn County and Indian Creek Nature Center. Bill’s greatest joy was when he was traveling with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bill is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Yvonne of Marion; children, Ric (Lori) Thomas of Marion, and Diane (Jerry) Yockstick of Nashua, Iowa; grandchildren, William (Erin) Thomas, Cameron (Sam) Thomas, and Drew Yockstick; sister-in-law, Elaine Moberly of Chandler, Arizona; and special friend, Kathy Wilson Graeff who shared the same passion of history and genealogy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Erma Thomas.
Memorials in Bill’s memory may be directed to the Marion Heritage Center.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the University of Iowa Hospital and staff, as well as Dr. Reed for the care shown to Bill and his family.
Bill was born on January 2, 1931, in Iowa City, the son of Raymond A. and Lora N. (Olsen) Thomas. He was a 1949 graduate of Iowa City High School and went on to attend the University of Iowa. On June 14, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to Yvonne Zelpha DeArmond in Iowa City. He then served honorably in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955. Bill worked for 17 years as a mechanical engineer for Collins and then for Lefebure for 24 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church, was a Mason, served as both an explorer and Scout leader with the Boy Scouts for 30 years, where he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Bill volunteered as a Docent of the Art Museum, Granger House, Marion Heritage Center, and gave field tours of Linn County and Indian Creek Nature Center. Bill’s greatest joy was when he was traveling with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bill is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Yvonne of Marion; children, Ric (Lori) Thomas of Marion, and Diane (Jerry) Yockstick of Nashua, Iowa; grandchildren, William (Erin) Thomas, Cameron (Sam) Thomas, and Drew Yockstick; sister-in-law, Elaine Moberly of Chandler, Arizona; and special friend, Kathy Wilson Graeff who shared the same passion of history and genealogy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Erma Thomas.
Memorials in Bill’s memory may be directed to the Marion Heritage Center.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the University of Iowa Hospital and staff, as well as Dr. Reed for the care shown to Bill and his family.
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