Obituary of Dennis George Thomas

Dennis George Thomas, born July 2, 1944, in Raymond, Washington, to Frank Thomas and Margaret Wells, passed away April 26, 2023. Denny was married 57 years to his wife, Cheryl.

 

Denny, of Nisqually and Cowlitz descent, and Cheryl have three kids, Kevin (Beth) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Frank (Scherry) of Littlerock, Wash.; and Heidi of Yelm, Wash. They also have three grandkids, Vanity (Karl) Brown of Torrance, Calif., Matthew Thomas of San Antonio, Texas, and Joel Thomas of San Antonio, Texas. Denny and Cheryl also have one great-granddaughter, Lorenza Brown.

 

Denny grew up in Raymond, worked and retired at the PUD. He and Cheryl lived out their retirement in Yelm, Wash.

 

Denny went to Raymond High School, where he excelled at all sports with a special love of track, basketball, and football. After his high school and college sports career at Grays Harbor College, he enjoyed playing with many friends in Raymond City League Basketball and travelling to play in many Native American basketball tournaments with the Grays Harbor Thunderbirds throughout Washington and the West.

 

All their lives, Denny and Cheryl enjoyed nothing more than supporting their kids and grandkids whenever there was a ballgame or cheerleading event to attend. They eventually got a winter place in Arizona, where they were able to attend many grandsons' high school and college baseball games in Arizona and Texas. If they weren't travelling to see a kid, grandkid or great-grandkid, they were travelling all over the country to see anything they could and visit with anyone that would listen.

 

Dennis was the best dad, granddad, and great granddad.  He and Cheryl loved to motorhome the pow-wow circuit, where he enjoyed nothing more than to participate and celebrate his Native American roots.

 

With his life adventures, Denny was proud to have written a book about his early years in sports. He was a loyal friend to everyone.  He was not only interested in learning about those around him but laying out a story or two of his own.

 

There will be a private close family graveside service at the Cowlitz Mission.

 

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