Born: Tuesday Feb-13-1940
Died: Thursday Jun-26-2025
Funeral: No Services Will Be Held

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Neal O. Thomas, 85, long-time resident of Burley, ID., passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2025. He was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandpa, and idolized great-grandpa. There wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for his family and friends.

Neal was born in Burley, ID., the middle child, to Evan and Helen Thomas, on February 13, 1940. He graduated High School and continued his education at ISU, majoring in drafting. After 3 years in college, he returned home and took a supervisor job with the Burley Highway District. He worked there for 39 years until his retirement on March 1, 2000. During this time, he made many life-long friendships.

He married his beloved wife, Linda Povlsen, on June 10, 1961. Together they were blessed with 3 children. Steven Thomas (deceased); Debbie Thomas (deceased) and Brenda Thomas.

Dad’s goal these last few months was to celebrate his 64th wedding anniversary. Well, once Dad set his mind to do something, there was no changing it. Many times we thought that there was no way that he was going to make it. Even with all odds stacked against him, and his rapidly declining health trying to interfere with his plan, he made it to celebrate his anniversary and gave us a few more days on top of that.

Dad loved the outdoors. While growing up, some of my fondest memories are when he took the family camping and on fishing trips. Clark Canyon, Salmon Dam, and Blackfoot Reservoir to name a few. If any of us fell asleep on the boat or weren't watching our poles, he would honk the boat horn, pull on our fishing line, or yell “fish on”, always teasing us. Dad used to love bowling, family get-togethers, card games, and BBQs. Most of all, he couldn’t wait for fair time every year. He loved the horse races, going to the rodeo and eating fair food all week! Cassia County Fair and Rodeo just won’t be the same without him.

Dad always had a silly nickname for some family members. No matter how ridiculous it was, it always stuck. He had a great sense of humor, and the ability to make people smile and laugh. He loved teasing the grandkids and great-grandkids and pulling many a prank in his life. These wonderful memories of him will forever be ingrained in our mind.

Dad, your wings were ready, but our hearts were not. Rest in peace and fly high. We love and miss you more than words can say.

Survivors include his wife Linda, daughter Brenda, grandkids, Ashley (Carson) Ryan (Julie), Derek (Cyndal); great-grandkids, Aiden, Ryker, Elize. Sister-in-law, Debbie Povlsen and Brother-in-law, Paul Piper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evan & Helen, son Steven, daughter Debbie; sister Kathy, brother Lynn, grandson Tyson and great-granddaughter alison.

In keeping with Neal’s wishes, no formal services will be held.

Condolences:

Dear Linda and Brenda.
Neil was a great guy and Awesome Friend and Classmate. He surely will be miss by all who knew him.
We send our LOVE AND our PRAYERS TO YOU BOTH. May GOD SURROUND YOU WITH HIS LOVE AND BRING YOU PEACE! Neil will always be in your hearts with the BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES YOU HAVE. With Love, Gene and Sherry Funk

Grandpa,
reality has been extremely difficult for me to face these past few weeks. Thank you for everything. You taught me how to work hard, love well, and smile in the face of adversity and challenge. Throughout my life we played and played and joked, and you had a magical way of making a sad girl grin from ear to ear. There wasn't a thing you wouldn't be there for me for, and I truly walked this life with the grace of you holding my hand the whole way. You were without a doubt, "Father", not just "Grandpa" to me. I'll never forget you bailing me out of bed in the ridiculous hours of the morning to either go see a new baby foal, catch worms to take me, grandma, Tyson and Ryan fishing, or simply to have breakfast with you before you had to leave for work. I hated mornings, but rose with joy knowing the fun we would have spending those times together. You had an infectious laughter that carried over to me even if I was being grumpy. You showed up to many of my important school events, and later my life events, and made me feel truly seen and loved. I never wanted to picture a life without you in it, so im holding on to belief that you still very much are somewhere out there. You truly made my life feel as though anything was possible, except holding the flashlight right when we worked on things at night or in the basement. I'd give anything for another bear hug, or your grin while you watched me try to break your stubborn horses, or even to be called Boogert again. I'll miss our sneaky midnight snacks to a very displeased grandma, our inside jokes, and our homemade meals together with a void in my heart. I love you so much, and I always will. I'll be waiting every day to see you again. Ashley Thomas

Linda. I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known you and Neal for over 30 years. Neal was always a very pleasant man who loved to talk about what he was doing in his yard or trips we went on with his family. I will miss his calls to the office and his gentle patient nature....Sharee Seibold

Brenda, we are sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family at this time...Brad and Dee Ann Holm

Linda and Brenda-so sorry for your loss of Neal! As you know, Neal and I have been
buddies and class mates since 1945-46. Hard to know someone
that long. As kids we have done it all. Great times for sure.
Linda, when Neal started having eyes for you, I thought wow Neal
does have some smarts. You have been together forever! I hope you
are able to continue living a nice longer life without Neal. Brenda you keep a close eye on Mom.
Hope Neal is in Heaven now waiting for you Linda. I think Neal was a great friend and I’ll miss him always. Condolences to all your family.... Roger Howarth