Wayland Thomas

Wayland Thomas, 77, beloved Grandad, Dad, and Husband, was called to his eternal resting place on December 9, 2020. He entered this world on September 24, 1943 in Clovis, NM. He was born to Oren and Stella Thomas of Clovis, NM. He is survived by wife Jean Thomas of 57 years; daughter Sheila (Keith) Riden of Grand Prairie, TX; Chris (Kye) Thomas of Clovis, NM; Donna (Louis) Moore of Racine, WI; and grandchildren; Caiden Thomas, Heather (Rio) Johnson, Kylynn (Caz) Copeland, Rachael Cook, Tyler Hickman and Carlon Hickman. He was a member of Texico Baptist Church.
Wayland worked a lifelong career of 44 years at the Clovis News Journal, Portales News Tribune, and Pampa News (Freedom Communication Inc). Starting as a paperboy at age 13, he rotated almost all positions in the paper at some time or another. Because of his hard work and vast knowledge, it earned him the position of Publisher in Pampa, TX in 1994 and when Pampa News sold he moved to Portales position. He retired in 2001 but did not remain idle for long.
He continued to live life to the fullest with his many passions. One of the biggest was taking time for his grandkids whether it was camping, fishing, or building something for them. He loved dogs and horses…and they loved him. He liked traveling in the RV and computer technology. He had fun playing card, dice, and domino games and played in the Curry County 42 League for several years. He loved environmental gadgets, setting up his very own wind generator, geothermal system, and greenhouse for hydroponic gardening. He enjoyed working with leather (making collars for all his “granddogs”) and running his laser engraving business called "Thomas Enterprises"; but his greatest passion was woodworking! He made all sorts of beautiful items for his family and friends such as furniture, jewelry boxes, vases, and games, just to mention a few. His family will treasure these keepsakes for years to come.
Grandad was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. We will forever cherish our memories with him and have the blessed hope we will see him again knowing he is up in Heaven comparing notes with the true Carpenter Himself!
A come and go memorial will be at Steed Todd Funeral Home on Monday, December 28 from 11 am - 3 pm.
Donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children @donate.lovetotherescue.org.