Obituary for Wayne Carter Thomas
La Jara resident Wayne “Babo” Carter Thomas, 58, passed away on February 10, 2020 at the Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado surrounded by his wife and loving family.
Wayne was born on February 16th in Alamosa, Colorado to Leland and Deanna Carter Thomas. He married his wife of more than 36 years, Debbie Baetge, on June 4, 1983 and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George, Utah Temple.
Wayne worked for many years helping his family on their ranch. Following his graduation from Adams State College he became a teacher and taught for several years in Antonito, Centauri and most of his working career was spent as a teacher and coach at Sangre de Cristo School in Mosca. He coached football, basketball, and track for many years. He enjoyed every minute spent with his students and athletes. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and BYU Football fan. His latest endeavor following his retirement from teaching was working for the Conejos County Hospital in Admissions and serving as a temple worker in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Temple.
Wayne loved horses and four wheeling about the countryside. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Debbie and seeing all the sights. His favorite trip being his recent return to Italy where he served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren, who he loved dearly. He was affectionately referred to by all of his grandchildren and many extended family members as “Babo”. Wayne had an interest in history and had a great deal of stories to share about history with just about anyone.
Wayne is survived by his wife Debbie of La Jara; his children Deslie (Milo) Medina of La Jara, Trevor (Ashlee) Thomas of Twin Falls, Idaho, Randi (Devin) Billman of Herriman, UT, Jordan (David) Romero of Denver, CO, Travis (Kirsten) Thomas of North Salt Lake, UT and Tereza (Clayton) Thomas of Eagle Mountain, UT; his grandchildren: Collin, Paislyn, Railey, Anistan, JR, Lynix, Jesse, Kenzie, Sawyer, Aria, Rylnn, Henlee and Khloe; his brothers and sisters: Marvin (Sandi) Thomas, Ranae (Bennett) Greene, Rochelle (Ben) Anderson, Trenna (Adam) Santos, Charlotte (Nathan) Coombs and Russ (Nicole) Thomas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Deanna and his father-in-law Howard Baetge.
Visitations will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, February 14th and from 9:30 – 10:30 am Saturday February 15th both at the Manassa 3rd Ward Church. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 15, 2020 also at the Manassa 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery in Manassa.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolence, words of comfort or stories for Wayne’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com
Wayne was born on February 16th in Alamosa, Colorado to Leland and Deanna Carter Thomas. He married his wife of more than 36 years, Debbie Baetge, on June 4, 1983 and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George, Utah Temple.
Wayne worked for many years helping his family on their ranch. Following his graduation from Adams State College he became a teacher and taught for several years in Antonito, Centauri and most of his working career was spent as a teacher and coach at Sangre de Cristo School in Mosca. He coached football, basketball, and track for many years. He enjoyed every minute spent with his students and athletes. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and BYU Football fan. His latest endeavor following his retirement from teaching was working for the Conejos County Hospital in Admissions and serving as a temple worker in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Temple.
Wayne loved horses and four wheeling about the countryside. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Debbie and seeing all the sights. His favorite trip being his recent return to Italy where he served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren, who he loved dearly. He was affectionately referred to by all of his grandchildren and many extended family members as “Babo”. Wayne had an interest in history and had a great deal of stories to share about history with just about anyone.
Wayne is survived by his wife Debbie of La Jara; his children Deslie (Milo) Medina of La Jara, Trevor (Ashlee) Thomas of Twin Falls, Idaho, Randi (Devin) Billman of Herriman, UT, Jordan (David) Romero of Denver, CO, Travis (Kirsten) Thomas of North Salt Lake, UT and Tereza (Clayton) Thomas of Eagle Mountain, UT; his grandchildren: Collin, Paislyn, Railey, Anistan, JR, Lynix, Jesse, Kenzie, Sawyer, Aria, Rylnn, Henlee and Khloe; his brothers and sisters: Marvin (Sandi) Thomas, Ranae (Bennett) Greene, Rochelle (Ben) Anderson, Trenna (Adam) Santos, Charlotte (Nathan) Coombs and Russ (Nicole) Thomas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Deanna and his father-in-law Howard Baetge.
Visitations will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, February 14th and from 9:30 – 10:30 am Saturday February 15th both at the Manassa 3rd Ward Church. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 15, 2020 also at the Manassa 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery in Manassa.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolence, words of comfort or stories for Wayne’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com