Hal Thomas

Hal LaVerne Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday March 20, 2024. He

was 94 years old, born in Ottumwa, Iowa on “Black Tuesday”, October 29, 1929. His passing

was exactly two years to the date that he lost his wife of 71 years, Roberta Lee (Wells) Thomas.

Hal spent his childhood years on a farm in Iowa being raised by his paternal aunt. He joined the

U.S.A.F. in 1948. His primary duty was a communications specialist in the Korean War. Hal

and Roberta “Berta” were married on Christmas Day 1950 while Hal was on leave. After the

war was over they left his station in California and returned to Iowa. Hal began a job at John

Morrell as a data entry operator. Over the years he worked himself into the meat processing

division and eventually into the processing plant manager. His final years with Morrell’s were

in California when he retired after almost 25 years. Hal continued to work in the management

end of meat processing across the country until his final retirement at age 62.

Hal enjoyed volunteering throughout the years with the Lions, Elks, JayCee’s and church. He

shared his talent in many ways from finances to stage plays and parade floats. He and Berta

had a full social life traveling in their RV, square dancing and playing card games with their

many friends.

Hal is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and his spouse. He is survived by sons

Danny (wife Rebecca) of St. Paul, MN and Steve (wife Shawna) of Tyler, TX, three grandchildren

and seven great-grandchildren.

Hal’s remains will be laid to rest with his beloved Berta at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in

Boulder City, NV on August 9, 2024. There will be a memorial and Honor Guard service at the

cemetery’s chapel.