Walter Thomas Obituary Walter Wayne Thomas, 96, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed into the presence of the Lord on January 30, 2023 at his assisted living home in Star. Wayne was born July 29, 1926 in Caldwell, Idaho to Ernest and Verdella Beck Thomas. He grew up in the Nampa-Caldwell area. After graduating from Nampa High School, Wayne served his country as an aircraft mechanic in WWII in the Pacific area. After the war he attended the College of Idaho where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in mathematics and chemistry. Growing up during the Great Depression years shaped the man Wayne became. Most notable was his robust work ethic, his minimalist lifestyle and his heart for the less fortunate. In his younger years Wayne worked all sorts of jobs including farm work, Nampa sugar factory, logging, Bureau of Reclamation, and Idaho State Highway for short stints. He also was part-owner of the Pressure Treated Timber Company before settling into his 32 year career as an engineer with the US Forest Service. Outside of work, Wayne was passionate about gardening and enjoyed supplying local farmers markets with the fruit of his labor as well as giving to his friends and family. Other passions included restoring and flying his own airplane, woodworking, coin collecting, cutting firewood, reading, investing, Waynes Wine, fishing, and hunting. In 1957, Wayne married the love of his life, Wilma Talley Thomas. They enjoyed 52 happy years of marriage and made their home in Boise for 27 years where they raised two daughters. After retirement they moved to a small acreage in Nampa where they enjoyed gardening and country living. Wayne remained on the farm until 6 months before his passing. Wayne is survived by his daughters, Lynne (Mark) Anderson of Anchorage, Alaska, and Gail (Matt) Siron of Eagle, Idaho; grandchildren Leisha Anderson Fowler, Evie Anderson, and Matt Siron; sister, Marlene Fullerton of Caldwell; and several cousins, a niece, and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved Wilma, granddaughter Katelyn, his brother Glen and nephew George, and his parents. Services Celebration of Life Thursday February 9, 2023 11:00 AM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Interment following funeral service Thursday February 9, 2023 Canyon Hill Cemetery Caldwell, Idaho