Durward Ervin Thomas

Durward Ervin Thomas, 93, died January 1, 2006 at his apartment at Teton House in Rexburg, Idaho. Durward was born May 24, 1912, at Mauston, Wisconsin, the son of Ervin Augustine and Lenora Wright Thomas. He grew up in Mauston, graduating from Mauston High School. He married Melissa Eunice Mellor on August 2, 1934 and was married for 67 years. They resided in many areas including Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Nuevo, California, but spent most of their married life in Mauston, Wisconsin. After the death of his wife, “Peggy,” Durward lived with his daughter, Jean, in Rigby, Idaho, and later moved to an assisted living home in Rexburg where he resided for 2 ½ years. Durward worked at a service station, box factory and later became an over-the-road truck driver for more than 33 years. While working as a truck driver, he and a brother-in-law, Floyd Mellor started their own trucking business called Thomas/Mellor Trucking. Durward was a very industrious and ambitious person, always working hard trying to make a good home for his wife and children. He is survived by his sons Dwayne Ervin Thomas (Elizabeth) of Horse Shoe, North Carolina; Robert W. Thomas (Virginia) of Wellington, New Zealand; Jan Paul Thomas (Cherie) of Coto de Caza, California; and one daughter Jean A. Hardy (Lloyd) of Rigby, Idaho. Funeral services will be conducting Saturday, January 7th at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby with Bishop Brian McLain officiating. Friends may call at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel Saturday at 12:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services and burial will be in the Mauston Cemetery in Mauston, Wisconsin, Saturday, January 14th at 1:00 p.m.