He was the greatest man we ever knew — the man who was larger than life. On Monday, August 12, 2019, Harold “Tiny” Milton Thomas (73) of Spanish Fork, passed away at Utah Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Always proud to be of Cherokee descent, he left this earthly home to be a ‘Chief’ in Heaven.
Tiny was born August 22, 1945, in Baxter Springs, Kansas to Maynard Milton and Edith Katherine Welch Thomas. As a young child he lived in Kansas and Oklahoma. His family then lived in numerous states until finally settling in Green River Utah. Tiny and Kitty knew each other early on, beginning in the sixth grade and would later be united as husband and wife. In 1964, they graduated from Green River High School. At the age of seventeen, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After graduation, he was drafted in the United States Army, Co. B 86th Engineer Battalion. He served in the Vietnam War and received the following honors: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Tiny had a deep love and respect for this Country, and he was very proud to serve and defend our freedom. He was a member of the VFW.
Tiny married Kathleen “Kitty” Brock on November 2, 1968; later solemnized in the Provo Utah Temple, August 1, 1975. They enjoyed 50 wonderful years of marriage! Together they raised five children: one wonderful son (who passed away in 2010) and four special daughters.
Tiny was a hard worker. From a young age, he helped his parents support the family. He continued in this tradition when he had a family of his own. Tiny worked many years as a coal miner, and later in life, as the Safety Director at Wing Enterprises. He enjoyed becoming friends with everyone he worked with. He was a man of many skills and talents. If there was ever anything you needed or wanted, you could just ask Tiny. He loved being outdoors. You would often find him fishing, hunting, and camping. What he loved most of all was spending time with family and friends. He lived life to the fullest and believed in making the most of every opportunity.
Tiny had a heart of gold. He had a talent for making friends everywhere he went, making them feel like family. His personality and charisma for life were contagious. His love of life, his wit, funny stories, songs, and his warm smile will be dearly missed.
Tiny is survived by his Eternal companion Kathleen ’Kitty’ Brock Thomas, Spanish Fork; four daughters: Audrey (Sean) Anderson, Price; Kristi (Phillip) Feichko, Carbonville; Natalie (Mike) Oldham, Spanish Fork; Melissa Thomas, Highland. Gpa’s “9 Little Indians” Tiffany (Austin) Sanderson, Hailey Feichko, Kyson, Bryndee and Taybree Anderson, Kate, Brock, Lafe and Scott Oldham. Two brothers Norman and Larry Thomas, and one sister Lois Hamilton.
Preceded in death by parents, son (Troy Lee Thomas), four brothers (John, Micky, James, and Loy) and four sisters (Norma Jean, Arvalene, Cova, and Twyla).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Spanish Fork Stake Center, 1006 E 180 S, Spanish Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Walker Family Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Goshen City Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., 10500 W 15800 S, Goshen, Utah.
Tiny left a legacy of service, love, community, and patriotism. Please help us celebrate his life by following his example and paying it forward.
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