Lynn Owen Thomas, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 26 of a sudden illness. A Raymond resident for the last 10 years, Lynn worked as a trainman for Union Pacific Railroad in Fresno. A native of San Carlos, Calif., he graduated from Carlmont High School in Belmont in 1970. During his younger days he climbed many of the highest peaks in California with his father and brothers. He enjoyed playing the bass guitar with his musical friends. He was a roofing contractor in Half Moon Bay for many years. In his early 40s, he changed his career due to his interest in trains, graduating from the National Academy of Railroad Science in 1995. He loved working alongside his son, Randy, and his friends at Union Pacific.
Lynn is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lori, of Raymond and two sons, Randy Thomas and Dylan Thomas of Raymond. His father, Rhodri Thomas of Auburn, Calif., two brothers, Gerald Thomas of Alturas and his identical twin, Lyle Thomas and wife Marlene of Watsonville. His two sisters, Julia Simpkins and husband, Milo, of Auburn and Carolyn Rose of San Jose. He leaves behind his in-laws, George and Mina Pratt of Oakhurst, Larkin and John Evans of Half Moon Bay, Todd and Saundra Pratt of Grass Valley, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Thomas.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Jay Chapel, Madera, Calif.
The family requests that donations be made to the Yosemite High School Music Dept., 50200 School Rd., Oakhurst, CA 93644 Attn. Randy Hyatt or to the donor’s favorite charity.
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