Harold Joseph Thomas

Harold Thomas was born May 29, 1931 on the farm his father homesteaded in 1908. His parents were William Arthur Thomas and Margaret (Rafferty) Thomas. He had an older brother William J. "Banner" Thomas. Harold started riding horses at an early age. He attended grade school at St. Charles Catholic School. He went to high school at Bethune High School graduating with the class of 1949. He participated in many activities including basketball and track. He played baseball on the Stratton American Legion team for three years. He played on local baseball and softball teams in Burlington, Bethune, and Stratton.

His father passed away when he was a senior in high school. He took over the farm with his mother. He remembers vividly the severe dust storms of the 30's. An irrigation well was drilled in 1962 to raise feed for the animals. His mother passed away in June of 1976. He bought the neighboring farm in 1978. He operated the farm until 2002 when he retired from farming and sold the farm. Harold also worked at the local livestock sale barn for 37 years. 

Harold joined the Stratton Council of the Knights of Columbus where he attained honorary life membership status.

He moved into Aspen Leaf Assisted Living facility for two and a half years in December of 2015. In June of 2017 he moved to Burlington. While in Burlington he enjoyed going to the McArthur Senior Center in Burlington where he met many new friends. He helped deliver meals and attended circle talk at the nearby church.

Harold passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, nephews Leon Thomas and Leroy Thomas and Niece Patricia A. Forbes (Thomas). He is survived by his nephews Melvin Thomas, of Aurora CO, and Kenneth Thomas of Burlington, CO, and niece Jo Ann Houck (Thomas) of Stratton, CO. as well as many numerous cousins.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Harold's name to the McArthur Senior Center in Burlington, CO. 

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Stratton, CO on February 19, 2026 at 9:30 am with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30am with committal to follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Stratton, CO. 

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