Donald Marion Thomas

1933 - 2020 Donald (Don) Marion Thomas was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 1, 2020 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas just one day after his 87th birthday.

Don was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 31, 1933, to the late James Prudy and Ola (Southerland) Thomas. He graduated from Howe High School in Indianapolis where he was a letterman in football and track.
He met the love of his life, Dorothy Sue (Dot) Harbold, when they were in elementary school. They were married on March 25, 1954 in Indianapolis. They remained married for 66 years until his death.
After completing his service in the United States Army, Don earned a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

A registered Professional Engineer, Don spent more than 35 years as a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager for Indianapolis Power and Light (Indianapolis, IN), Eli Lilly and Company (Greenfield, IN and San Juan, Puerto Rico), and Miller Brewing (Fulton, NY and Milwaukee, WI).
Don was an avid photographer, a skill he was able to hone while traveling around the globe for work. He not only enjoyed taking the photos but developing them in his home darkroom.
After retiring in 1993, Don and Dot relocated to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they became members of Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church.
In retirement Don and Dot enjoyed golf, bridge, traveling, doing projects around their house, and enjoying their growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their lake house.
One of the highlights of each year was the annual Fourth of July gathering, where four generations would enjoy barbeques, swimming, fishing, boating, and fireworks.
Don is survived by his wife Dorothy; sister Jackie Stokes (Mike); daughter Leisa Goodman (Rick), sons Brad Thomas (Kim) and Doug Thomas (Betty); grandchildren Andy Thomas, David Thomas (Sarah), Amy Thomas, James Thomas, Haley Kick, and Dane Kick; and three great-granddaughters, Lexi, Alaina, and Savannah.
Don was preceded in death by his son, Greg Thomas and grandson Jeff Thomas.

The family would like to express our gratitude to all the health care workers at the Good Samaritan Society Rehabilitation and Hospice for their kind care for Don in the last several months.

Due to the current pandemic no memorial services are planned at this time.

Online condolences can be made at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com