Nathan Bradley Thomas May 29, 1986-July 27, 2023

Nathan Bradley Thomas was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 29, 1986, as the sixth son and eighth and final child of Richard and Jenny Thomas. He returned to our Savior on July 27, 2023.

Raised in Galesburg, Michigan, Nathan enjoyed the small-town life. At home, he quickly and readily assumed the role of the youngest child, being both doted on and tormented by his older siblings. He enjoyed the indulgence and protection of his loving mother. This made for many meals of Cheerios and cocoa and toast. It also allowed him an escape when he ran from the person he had just goaded.

Growing up Nate enjoyed playing soccer, riding bikes into town, playing in the backyard, Scout camps, and basketball. To him, family and friends were most important. He thrived around people and people thrived around him.

Nathan was jovial and his chuckle was contagious. His self-deprecating humor was endearing. He was quick with a joke and even faster when someone needed assistance. He did not need recognition for his acts, he just enjoyed the association of family and friends.

Following a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to San Fernando, California during which he met Nicole Fellows, he returned and impatiently waited for her to return also. Nothing brought more joy to Nathan's life than his love for Nicole. They were soon married in the Washington DC Temple on December 28, 2012. Three children soon joined their eternal family.

In his employment, Nathan worked hard and that was noticed by both his employers and those he managed. A natural leader, Nathan had an ability to make those around him comfortable and to assist them in being better. He led by example, was not judgmental, and had an ability to make even hard work feel easier by keeping things light. Rather than tell people what to do, he taught them. Both on his mission and in his profession, management found that if he were assigned to a problem area, the problems were soon resolved.

While he found satisfaction in work, he found joy with his family. His time with family was most important to him. Messages, photos, and conversation shared with others always involved his children. From playing in the rain to making snowmen to his planned outdoor excursions to just being home, he enjoyed adventures with his wife and children. He was always available to help his siblings and parents. During moves, building, or yard projects, Nate would just show up and make the work more enjoyable. He generally found better ways to get the job done. In all of that, it was the people that mattered to him.

Near the end of his life as he alternated between fighting for his mental health or succumbing to the addictions engendered by his depression, he wrote the following: I love my wife. I love my kids. I love the gospel. I don't have a faith crisis. I have a Nate crisis. While he didn't judge others, he was hard on himself. Even in the midst of this battle, relationships with others, particularly with Nicole and his children remained his priority.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cecil and Margie Thomas and his maternal grandfather Marion Callister.

He is survived by his wife Nicole; his three children, Scott (8), Evelyn (6), and Robert (4); his parents, Richard and Jenny Thomas; his siblings Kevin (Stephanie), Tamra Hansen (Jim), Mike (Kelly), Debi Shumway (Jesse), Jared (Sarah), Trenton (Cary), Curtis (Nicole) and his maternal grandmother Nina Callister along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Middleton Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23644 Old Highway 30 in Caldwell with an opportunity to greet the family at 9:30 am prior to the services.

The funeral will also be broadcast by zoom. https://zoom.us/j/95688448429?pwd=UTdFNXFFL041TEdzcTAyV2xuTk9RUT09