July 5, 1917 – March 18, 2011

Dr. Evan Watson Thomas of Madras died March 18, 2011 at the age of 93.

Dr. Thomas was born July 5, 1917 in Portland to Evan and Jennet Thomas. Both his parents emigrated from Wales. He graduated from Grant High School in 1935, Reed College in 1939, and the University of Oregon’s medical school in 1943. Dr. Thomas served in India during World War II as an officer with the U.S. Army. According to records, he treated between 70 and 100 patients per day for principally tropical diseases while stationed at the Lido Road Staging Area.

After being honorably discharged in 1946, Dr. Thomas moved to Madras and set up a medical practice as a family practitioner and surgeon. He lived the busy life of a small town doctor. He regularly traveled to the Prineville and Bend hospitals for surgery and patient visits until Madras built its own facility in 1967. He made house calls throughout Jefferson County, and delivering babies was one of his favorite parts of the job. Few family meals were eaten at home without a telephone call for Dr. Thomas.

He married Dorothy Elizabeth Michael in 1948, and together they raised six children. He loved to spend his days off with his family. Many a morning started with Dr. Thomas at the wheel of his Jeep Wagoneer with his wife, children, and usually a couple of spare children heading out of town for a day of skiing at Mt. Bachelor or hiking in the mountains. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including ice skating, swimming, biking, and river rafting. He also loved wildflowers, books, music, photography, and huckleberry pie. In his later years Dr. Thomas walked daily in all kinds of weather at Juniper Hills Park with a modified ski pole for a walking stick.

His daughter, Mary Ann, brother, Roderick Thomas, and sister, Mary Mitchell preceded him in death.

Dr. Thomas is survived by his wife, five children, and their spouses: Evan and Linda Thomas of Culver, Laura and Bob Goold of Bend, David and Clarissa Thomas of Corvallis, John Thomas of Madras, and Catherine and Troy Towers of Madras. His family also includes three grandchildren and their spouses: Kelli and James Hall of Bend, Evan and Shontae Thomas of Culver, and Merrick Towers of Madras. He is survived by five great-grandchildren including Shaelyn Thomas, Noah Hall, Evan John Thomas, Jordan Hall, and Dylan Thomas. Dr. Thomas’ brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Mary Lou Thomas of Portland survive him as do his many cherished nieces and nephews.

The community is invited to attend a memorial service for Dr. Thomas on March 26 at 11 a.m. in the Madras United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice or to one of the following: the Jefferson County Library, Redmond-Sisters Hospice, or the Madras Aquatic Center.