1949 ~ 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday Oct 11, 2025: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday Oct 11, 2025: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Stephen K. Thomas passed away peacefully due to complications of pancreatic cancer in the early hours October 3, 2025 holding his sweetheart’s hand at the age of 76. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, friendship, faith, and loving service that he rendered throughout his life.
Steve was born on August 16, 1949, the son of Dr. Rex Thurman Thomas and Neva Strate Thomas, in Provo, Utah. He enjoyed an idyllic, family-centered life in the post-war era with his two older brothers, Richard and Karl, and his younger sister, Kim. The family spent early years on D Street, and moved to their beloved home on Phillips Lane, near what is now BYU’s Marriott Center. They enjoyed a beautiful tiered backyard with patios, fruit trees, gardens, and a corral for Kim’s horse which Steve helped care for.
With BYU needing additional property for expansion, the family moved to Elm Avenue in Provo where Steve spent his teenage years. He attended BY Jr. High, then Provo High School.
Steve loved and honored his parents, Rex and Neva. He would accompany Rex to the hospital or patients’ homes—sometimes to distant towns. They enjoyed fishing trips and other activities, and they later took up golf, which became a lifelong passion.
Following high school, Steve enrolled at Brigham Young University in the late 1960’s. The Vietnam War was raging and he joined the U.S. Army Reserve in April, 1970. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri followed by advanced training at Fort Carson, Colorado. He served in the 259th Petroleum Battalion headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Steve loved his country and, while he was never called up to war, considered his military service a very positive experience where he progressed personally and spiritually.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Steve worked in various roles for Orem State Bank. He was soon accepted to graduate school at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Chicago to pursue an MBA. It was here that he met the love of his life, Joanne Marie Cary, at a church social activity. Steve and Joanne fell in love and spent their dating years enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Windy City.
Steve and Joanne were married on August 22, 1975 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They settled in Evanston and then Winnetka, Illinois and soon welcomed Jeff, Chad, and Katie over the next five years. Following graduate school, Steve worked for LaSalle National Bank, the Lane Banks, and also earned a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia. These early years in Chicago included Cubs games, Lake Michigan, and many wonderful friends and neighbors, which the family forever cherished.
Eventually, Steve received an offer to join Valley Bank and Trust in Salt Lake City, and in time served as Senior Vice President. The family moved to Sandy, Utah in 1982, and welcomed Marcy in 1984. Steve and Joanne spent 25 years at their Sandy home where Steve is remembered as a kind and loving father, neighbor, community leader, and friend. Among many adventures, Steve loved to take his kids golfing, skiing, camping, and hunting. He taught his children by example, always put others’ interests first, and was a master relationship builder.
Steve had many creative gifts—especially in music and writing—which he put to use at work and home. Many remember him sitting at the piano and playing his favorite songs by ear. He was also known for his annual Christmas poems and his mastery of English grammar. Some of his other passions included family history work, photo books, and travel planning.
In 1993, Steve was recruited to Zions Bank and served as Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing for over 16 years. During his banking career, he was a well-respected organizer and twice served as Chairman of the Utah Banking Association Convention. Shortly before his retirement, he enjoyed time as Director of Public Relations and Seminars for the Wayne Brown Institute, Regional Director at Supporting Youth, and a Senior Financial Representative at Secured First Financial.
Soon after becoming empty-nesters, Steve and Joanne moved to their Lehi, Utah home in 2007 where they enjoyed an overlook of the 14th green at Thanksgiving Point. In retirement, Steve was able to spend more time golfing and traveling with Joanne. They visited family and friends all over the country, attended Cubs games, and loved to discover new things and places.
Steve was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While less active in his youth, he credits many dear friends for their examples and encouragement that led him to a strong testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ and many years of faithful service in the church including as bishop of the 9th Ward in the Granite South Stake. More recently, he and Joanne considered it a joy and privilege to serve together as BYU Pathway Worldwide missionaries for four years.
Steve exemplified charity—the pure love of Jesus Christ—with everyone he encountered. He was a peacemaker, a disciple, and a friend. His warmth, generosity, and contagious laugh will be missed for a time. But we look forward with joy to the day when Steve greets us again with his big smile and a loving embrace.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Dr. Rex and Neva Thomas, his darling Nana Lee, sister-in-law Renee (Karl) Thomas, and other extended family. He is survived by his sweetheart, Joanne, sons Jeff (Valarie) Thomas (Kyson [Kenzie], Alexa, BreAnna); Chad (Hillary) Thomas (Elder Sam Thomas - Japan Tokyo North Mission, Lily, Max); daughters Katie (Shey) Thomas (Maiya, Ethan [Allison], Aidan, Aria); Marcy (Taylor) Burnett (Brody, Beckett, Boden); and Steve’s siblings, Dr. Richard (Sharleen) Thomas, Karl Thomas, Kim (Billy) McKay, and their families.
A viewing will be held Friday evening, October 10, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S.) Sandy, Utah). Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3679 Bluegrass Blvd, Lehi, Utah), followed by the interment at Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery (4800 N. Eastlawn Dr (650 E.), Provo, Utah).
To view a recording of Stephen's service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Services".
My deepest sympathies to the family and specially to Joanne.
I can’t express How sorry I am for your loss. I didn’t know him well, but I know he was very important to you. I prayed for him and others every evening.
I went down to the viewing of Pres. Nelson this morning. It was beautiful. His funeral will be tomorrow. They are now both together, a long with other loved ones. You can take soulice knowing he will be yours for eternity. He’s just gone on before; saving you a place. However at times like this, I know that doesn’t take away the sting. I also know you have many friends, but if I can help in any way, just let me know.
Kim called me with the sad news of Steve's passing.
I always loved Steve he was as close as I got to an older brother.
I gave great memories of summers in Provo.
Sending prayers to you all - he will be sorely missed by all.
I will always remember the leadership he showed during his time as a leader in the Pathway program.
Dear Joanne and family, I am sending much love born from so many childhood memories of growing up with Steve in the Elm Avenue/Elm Circle neighborhood. He was like the big brother to all of us and also a friend! His smile, his patience, his creativity, his “wisdom-beyond-his years”, and his kindness were entrenched in all he did. He was the creative force behind the Elm Circle Theatrical Society (second only to Sundance!) that I am certain was transformative to all of us who participated. Despite not keeping in direct contact with him, I will miss him. And my memories of Steve have now become that much more precious.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Steve…we had no idea of his illness. Such a wonderful friend and an accomplished professional, leader and disciple of Jesus Christ. We had so many great times at Valley and on the golf course. He was a trusted confident and cherished friend! May God bless you and your family in the coming days and years! We love you, Jerry and Debby
Dear Joanne and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I know from Joanne that he was a wonderful husband, father and man. It is wonderful to be a part of a loving family and the time is never long enough.
Wishing you peace, Cynthia
Steve is a dear friend, neighbor, golf buddy, former bishopric member, and disciple of Jesus Christ. I cherish his life and example.
Joanne, we look forward to supporting you in every way we can as a Thanksgiving Village Ward family.
Dearest Joanne - Kent passed away Sept. 29th, and we are having his Visitation on Friday evening, at our ward building here in Dallas Oct. 10, from 5-7 pm. Another sister in our ward passed away the day earlier, so they are having her funeral on Saturday. I hope Steve and Kent meet up together! Maybe they will be missionary companions, and have had a chance to shake Pres. Nelson's hand! I love you, and pray you are filled with the peace and gratitude I have felt. Kent hadn't been feeling well for a few months, but his passing came suddenly after a week in the hospital with heart and kidney failure, and then 5 days in hospice. My kids and grandkids have been so caring, and I'm grateful for them. Sending heartfelt wishes across the miles. . .Laurel Lee Pedersen
Sending you my love and prayers. I am so glad Sister Thomas was able to hold Brother Thomas’ hand as he was ushered into the Lord’s presence. I know you will be comforted during this time….praying for you and your children and grandchildren that they may have strength and courage and comfort.
So sorry to hear the passing of another Tree-Avenue neighbor and friend! Love the Thomas family and they became a "second" home for me in the 60's in Provo. Loved the parents and love his siblings. The world was a better place with Stephen in it. He will be buried a few blocks away from our Sandy home. Soar with the eagles my friend!
So sorry to hear the passing of another Tree-Avenue neighbor and friend! Love the Thomas family and they became a "second" home for me in the 60's in Provo. Loved the parents and love his siblings. The world was a better place with Stephen in it. He will be buried a few blocks away from our Sandy home. Soar with the eagles my friend!
Joanne
While we knew Steve was ill, I did not expect this so soon.
We have loved Steve since we met years ago and always appreciated his kind ways and talents he shared so readily. Please know of our love for you and your family. We have many fond memories of outing together. We will make it to the viewing but will be out of town Saturday.
We look forward to giving you a hug along with your kids.
Know that you are loved and all will work out.
What a wonderful friend from boyhood days! I will really miss Steve. I wish his family the Lord's choicest blessings and the Gift of the Comforter.
Blessings to the Thomas family. Steve was one of the best! I am glad to have known him and shared many outdoor and golf adventures together. God bless your family
In 1985, I called on one Steve Thomas, Valley Bank’s head of marketing. He would have been within his rights to toss me out with unmasked disdain—my fledgling, one–person ad agency was in no position to take on Valley Bank—but instead, he received me with warmth, grace, and class.
Our paths continued crossing, usually at various association gatherings. By the time Steve landed at Zions Bank, my little firm had matured (somewhat) and had a relationship there. At long last, we were working together.
And wouldn’t you know it: we became friends. We continued going to lunch after our respective retirements, and kept in touch even after I moved two states away.
There was much to appreciate in Steve. We could level with one another. We were in sync on marketing strategy and ethics. We agreed on how people should treat one another. When we disagreed, Steve, ever the gentleman, cared enough to hear, understand, and validate.
My best to Joanne and family. We all miss him.
To my Thomas family,
Know how much I love you and this great man Stephen Thomas. He was a father figure to me in the physical absence of my own, and I will forever be grateful for that kindness and love. We are blessed to know our bonds are eternal, and I remain your friend and brother in this time of grief and mourning. Sending much aroha to you all. ❤️
Dear Joanne and Thomas Family, we love you and our dear friend Steve. It was a wonderful funeral that emphasized the Plan of Salvation and Steve’s firm testimony of the Savior and His Gospel. We again express to you our condolences and Love, Dave and Karen Fuhriman
Dear Joanne and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Steve’s passing and pray that you will be buoyed up during this time of sorrow. What a terrific guy. We will miss him and our what seemed like regular encounters while out shopping where we could catch-up briefly. Our Utah based Cubs supporters have surely lost a key member. We will keep our fond memories of Steve close in our hearts.
We are sorry that we were unable to attend his services as we were and are still out of town on the east coast.
We love you all, and hope to see you soon.
Joanne and Family - I was saddened to learn the passing of an old colleague Steve. Our years together advising the growth of the Star Network were formidable years and transformational. His wisdom and savvy guidance was a blessing to all of us. I have and will always cherish our good memories together and want to send a warm Aloha to all of you. Steve is a remarkable person who touched all of our lives forever. Aloha Oe Steve, until we meet again. Curt
My condolences. I am so sorry. I have nothing but fond memories of an idyllic childhood of which he was part.