Our Daddy, Lloyd Allen Thomas passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side on May 31, 2019.
Lloyd was given a wonderful ‘bonus week’ of life in which his children were able to gather beside him and Mom to hear stories of his life, hold his hands, hug him, and of course shed tears of joy. As his loving children, we shall miss him and honor him in our memory every day.
Lloyd was born in Bisbee, AZ on Feb. 19, 1927 to Edward and Edna (Newman). He is survived by his loving wife of over 68 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas, and his sister, Loia Beth Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Gordon Thomas. Lloyd leaves a legacy that will forever shine through his children, Teri (Mark) Anderson, Edward (Darlene) Thomas, Ann (Stephen) Ross, and Joellen (TC) Brown. Along with his children, Lloyd leaves behind many loved ones including 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was a great friend to many and touched the lives of all who crossed his path. He was a man of integrity, honor, and wittiness.
Lloyd graduated from Bisbee High School and joined the Navy. He later attended Cal Tech, obtained a Mining Geologist Degree from the University of Arizona, and pursued graduate geology studies at Harvard University. While attending Harvard, he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ellen Knights. Lloyd worked briefly at a zinc mine in Hanover, NM, then Magma Copper Company in Superior, AZ and then spent over 35 years as a Geological and Planning Engineer at San Manuel’s Magma Copper Company, retiring in 1989. Lloyd spent many years as the Treasurer for the Community Presbyterian Church and after balancing the books, you would often see him walking across town to the Valley National Bank to drop off the deposit.
A special celebration of life service will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church located at 801 McNab Parkway in San Manuel, AZ. A celebratory meal, also at the church, is being provided immediately after the service. The meal includes machaca tacos, Dad’s favorite La Casita fare. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Presbyterian Church of San Manuel, AZ at P.O. Box 679, San Manuel, AZ 85631. The family deeply appreciates all those who have offered assistance, thoughts and prayers.
A life well lived full of laughter and love; we will miss you, Dad.