Mike Thomas Obituary

Robert Michels "Mike" Thomas Sr. returned to his Heavenly home on December 4th 2024. Our Father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend at last found peace against his physical fight with lung disease after pushing through the last few years to continue making memories with his wife, five children, sons and daughters-in-law, 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. We feel blessed to have had his positive attitude and tenacious testimony as an example to cherish.

Mike was born to John Jay and Virginia Thomas on November 15, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the middle of their five children and grew in a home filled with rambunctious love. He graduated from Murray High School in 1963. He then attended the U of U and enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard. He often shared memories of working at Highland Dairy making popsicles and ice cream as well as giving impromptu driving tours of the many residential and commercial buildings he had a hand in helping to build along his 50-year career in construction.

Mike and Dorene have resided in Murray, Kearns, West Jordan, and Midvale making friends wherever they went, solidifying long-lasting friendships through his genuine care, walk and stop neighborhood chats and phone calls to the very end of his life. He cared about those around him and worried whether or not those he loved would find the peace of repentance and change that he had through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mike took his bride, Dorene Marie Johnson, to the Salt Lake City Temple on August 26, 1975 rounding up to their 50 years. He loved her and tried diligently to become a good husband to her. As a father, our dad was always our biggest fan. He was sure we could do whatever we set out to do and beamed with pride at each of our accomplishments big or small. His real joy came when he earned the title Papa and could often be found repeating the incessant wrestling, tickling, and teasing that grandma would often halt; while he would only stop with a wink or face of proclaimed innocence. We will continue to cherish the memories we have as well as the many, many memories that have been shared by those who knew and loved our Papa.

Mike is survived by his beautiful wife Dorene Marie Johnson Thomas, his children; Robert (Dina) Thomas, Lisa (Justin) Hodges, Britta (Dave) Schugk, Anthony (Jazel) Thomas, Cole (Anastasia) Thomas, 26 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, his brother, Danny Thomas, many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack and Jim, sister Shirley, a perfect grandson William Taylor Thomas and his nephew Craig Thomas.

Flowers, cards, or donations may be sent to 8969 S. Mayflower St. West Jordan, Ut 84081.

Funeral services will be held on December 21st, 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building on 5349 W. 9000 So. West Jordan, Utah.

The family will gather for a prayer at 9:30 a.m. just before the funeral. The interment will be in the Nephi City Cemetery at 400 N. 400 E., Nephi, Utah later that day .

The family would like to extend a special thanks to CNS services. Especially his main nurses Rebecca, and Janessa, and the social worker Jimmy, who helped us to care for Mike in these last difficult months.