Ronald King Thomas

Ronald King Thomas, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 14, 2025, in Mount Pleasant, Utah, at the age of 94.

Born on May 11, 1931, in Pocatello, Idaho, Ronald was the son of Benjamin Roberts Thomas and Vilate King Thomas. He grew up in Pocatello and spent many cherished summers in Montpelier with his cousins. During his teenage years, his family moved to Richmond, California, where he joined the Sea Scouts and helped run the family grocery store. The family later returned to Idaho, and Ronald graduated from Pocatello High School in 1949.

From 1951 to 1953, Ronald served a Spanish-speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austin and El Paso, Texas. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was trained as a cook and served stateside before becoming a chauffeur to high-ranking officers at Fort Jay on Governors Island, New York. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class.

Ronald had a lifelong love of ballroom dancing, a passion he shared with his brother Rob. The two trained extensively and became instructors, teaching at prestigious studios in New York and California. Over the years, Ronald continued to teach, compete, and even trained Bobby and Suzy from The Lawrence Welk Show.

In 1957, Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Rosalie Hancock, whom he had first met at Lava Hot Springs. They had four children together: Ronalee, Shawn, Corrine, and Clark, and Ronald lovingly helped raise Rosalie’s son, Garwyn. The couple later divorced in 1973, and Ronald married Glenna Brown. He earned a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University but ultimately pursued a career with the State of Utah, working as an investigator and agent for the Office of Recovery Services until retirement.

Ronald and Glenna lived many years in Fairview, Utah, until her passing in 2008. In a remarkable chapter of his life, Ronald and Rosalie reunited and remarried in 2014, in a ceremony officiated by their dear friend Mayor Blackham. They settled in Mount Pleasant, where Ronald spent his remaining years.

He was an artist, musician, dancer, and a man of deep faith, serving as an Elder and High Priest in the LDS Church. Above all, Ronald was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Vilate Thomas; his brother, Roberts Thomas and his second wife, Glenna Brown Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Mary Esther Thomas; his children Ronalee, Shawn, Corrine, and Clark; his sister Linda Glessing and sister-in-law Carol Thomas; 8 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Ronald’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith lives on through them all.

Funeral service will be held Friday May 23 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 North 100 West, Mt. Pleasant, Utah, 84647) with a viewing at 1:00pm. Interment in the Fairview City Cemetery. 

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