Donald Eugene Thomas

Donald Eugene Thomas, 83, of Longview passed away Dec. 27, 2022, at home.

He was born Jan. 15, 1939, in Sunnyside, Wash., to Frank and Grace Irene (McDaniel) Thomas. Don graduated from Sunnyside High School and served in the Coast Guard from 1957 to 1961 stationed at Port Angeles aboard the USCGC Winona. He moved to the local area from Sunnyside in 1969.

Don retired from Fibre Paper Company in 2004 after 35 years of service. He enjoyed renting jet boats from Jerry’s Rogue Jets in Gold Beach, Ore., and watching NASCAR, Perry Mason and Matlock. He loved his greenhouse and garden, and he could grow anything, including tomato plants from the seeds he harvested. He loved working outside on his property, mowing the grass or burning brush and stumps. He also loved baseball and you could always catch him watching a game during the season.

He was a quiet shy man but when he spoke, people listened. He was “old school” and did not show much emotion, but he always took care of his family and made sure they knew he loved them. If any of them needed anything he was there to help make sure they got it.

On March 6, 1963, he married Pamela Irby in Sunnyside. They were divorced Feb. 10, 1975. Don married Linda (Dillow) Busack in Longview on Oct. 31, 1979. She preceded him in death on Aug. 22, 2022.

He was loved by all his family and will be missed. He is survived by a son, Franklin Thomas of Longview; four daughters, Linda Moore, Aloma Thomas, and Joy Thomas all of Longview, and Carolyn Tokuoka of Kelso; two sisters, Beverly Thomas of Sunnyside and Wilma Tabor of Kennewick, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Don will be laid to rest with Linda during a graveside service with military honors at noon Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Longview Memorial Park with Pastor Marcus Truesdale officiating. Pallbearers will include Dominique Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Jason Thomas, Adam Smith, Bryan Burchim, Mellissa Burchim and Benjamin Moore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Castle Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard.