William Daniel Thomas Jr.

10-16-47 to 11-7-2002

William "Bill" Daniel Thomas Jr., 55, a twenty year resident of Dufur, died at his home on Thursday, November 7, 2002.  He was born October 16, 1947 in The Dalles, Oregon, the oldest of eight children to William Daniel and Margaret Gwendolyn (Greiner) Thomas.  He grew up in The Dalles and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1966.  He served in Vietnam from 1967-1969 and received a Purple Heart, a Vietnam Service medal, a National Defense Service medal and a Vietnam Campaign medal.  He graduated from Blue Mountain Community College in 1972 and completed a bachelor degree in Soil Science Agronomy from Oregon State University in 1974.  After graduation, he worked for U&I Sugar Company in Pasco and then Western Empire in Boardman.  In 1980, he started with the US Corps of Engineers and was currently a maintenance supervisor.  He was a member of the Dufur Christian Church and the Disabled Veterans, a 4-H leader and served on numerous 4-H committees.  He also served on the Dufur Park and Recreation Board and was a volunteer at the Dufur schools.  He enjoyed hunting, reading local history, visiting with the elderly, country music and country western novels.  He also collected Model A's.  Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann (Ashbrook) Thomas, whom he married September 16, 1972; his son Tom Thomas and wife Jennifer, Gresham; his daughter Emily Thomas, Commerce, TX; his father and step-mother, William Thomas Sr. and Joan Thomas, The Dalles; his sisters and their spouses: Janet and Mike Shough, Portland; Joan and Tom Howell, Snohomish, WA; Mary and Dale Cox, Estacada; Sam and Gary Ellis, Portland; death by his mother, Margaret in 1981 and his brother, Frederick Thomas in 1951.  Private cremation was held at The Dalles Winquatt Crematory with interment of remains at The Dalles IOOF Cemetery. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  Memorial services and a dinner will be held at the Dufur School at 3 pm on Sunday, November 10 with Bob Peterson, Andy Smith and Asa Jenson officiating.  Remembrance may be made to the Dufur School Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 98, Dufur, OR 97021.