Calvin Lee Thomas

Calvin Lee Thomas, 87, of Springdale, Ark., passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. Calvin was born on Feb. 14, 1925, in Bokoshe, Okla., a son of William C. Thomas and Laura C. Wiles Thomas. He married Earlyne Pfeifer on Aug. 30, 1949, in Yuma, Ariz., who preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 2008, after 59 years of marriage. Calvin lived and worked most of his life in California, working in the Citrus industry and retiring as a foreman. He was a very dedicated family man and a member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by one son, Joseph Thomas and wife Gail of Alta Loma, Calif.; one daughter, Rai Starr and husband Jeff of Springdale; four sisters, Ocie Brown of McCune, Kan., Mary Stubblefield of Lindsay, Okla., Barbara Dolph of Tulsa, Okla., and Eva Sue Morgan of Poteau, Okla.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Roberta Cook; one brother; and two sisters. A memorial service will be held at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2 p.m. with James Lusby officiating. Online guestbook at www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.