Morris E. Thomas

Morris E. Thomas, 94, of Yakima, died peacefully on August 1, 2012 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Morris was born on December 17, 1917 in Indian Valley, Idaho to Augusta and Arthur Thomas. He graduated in 1935 from Kapowsin High School, Kapowsin, WA.

Morry married Kathleen Nilles of Orting, WA on October 24, 1936. Morry and Kathy spent 75 years together.

He was an avid outdoorsman, active in fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and golfing. He also enjoyed bowling and dancing with Kathy. He liked telling stories and jokes---he had "a million of 'em!" During his retirement years he and Kathy spent their winters in Arizona.

Morry began his career working for the railroad, and was a logger, trapper, and owner of a fishing resort, Morry's Place on Lake Tanawax in Pierce County. He spent 25 years as a game warden for the Washington Department of Game, retiring in 1978 as a regional manager in Yakima.

Morry spent 48 years in Western Washington, 25 years in Yakima, five years in the Spokane area, and 16 years in the Potholes area. During those years he enjoyed his involvement with various civic and social organizations such as the Elks Lodge and Ducks Unlimited. He also served as a high school basketball referee and president of Sunrise Water Board.

Morry is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Yakima; on brother, Steve Thomas (Marianna) of Homedale, ID, two daughters, Patti Thomas of Yakima and Faye Hamilton (Ken) of Wapato; two sons, Jerry Thomas (Pauline) of Sun City West, AZ, and Frank Thomas (Mary) of Moses Lake; 17 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marjorie.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.