Dean Leroy Thomas

Salem- Dean LeRoy Thomas was born on June 3, 1937 in Hansboro, North Dakota to Clarence and Elnora (Fell) Thomas. He would grow up in Hansboro and would attend Hansboro High School.  One day Dean skipped school, along with the whole high school and went out to the other local country school.  This is where he would meet Sharon Hoerer.  Even though the two were young they knew they had a future together.  They started dating and on June 18, 1961 they would be married in North Dakota. Their joining would bring about 59 wonderful years of marriage and the addition of two children, Becky, and Wendy. Dean worked most of his life as a mechanic, fixing things both big and small.  In 1972 the family would move to their home in Salem, Oregon where Dean would get a job working for A.C. Haag Co. before going over to Capital Rental where he would continue to work until his retirement.  In his spare time Dean enjoyed fishing, playing cards (especially Hand & Foot), watching baseball and watching tv. He was a kind man and a friend to all. On June 25, 2020 Dean passed away in Salem, Oregon at the age of 83.  He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Elnora; and 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon; Children, Becky McDonald of Elk, Washington and Wendy Greer of Salem, Oregon; Grandchildren, Daniel, Jonathan, and Shawn. and Great-Grandchildren, Ariana, Sophia, Caitlyn and Isaiah.