THOMAS, Noal Arthur

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, March 02, 2011 Noal Arthur Thomas passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, in Tempe, Ariz., at the age of 89. He was born May 22, 1921, in Chandler, Ariz., the third child and oldest son of Arthur and Mary Thomas. While an infant, his parents left Arizona and Noal was raised in California, Idaho and Nevada. He graduated from high school in 1940 in Smith Valley, Nev. The bombing of Pearl Harbor ended his youth, and he enlisted in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego until an accident caused him to be honorably discharged on disability. He moved to Tucson and entered St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing. There he met his future wife, Violet Mugford. After graduation in 1946, Noal moved to Prescott, where he married Violet and went to work as a registered nurse at Whipple Veterans Hospital. He worked in various positions there until his retirement in 1977. Noal was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many positions, including the completion of a mission to London, and worked at the England and Arizona Temples. Because of failing health, Noal moved to Mesa, Ariz., in 2005 to be near his daughter and grandchildren. His health continued to fail and he moved into Westchester Care Center in Tempe in 2007. Noal is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Violet; a daughter, Gloria Jean; three sisters, Etta, Fernell and Erma Lee; and two brothers, Dale and David Neil. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Kay Martin of Mesa; three grandsons, Eric (Karen) in West Virginia, Darren (Dana) of Chandler and Brent (Karen) of Queen Creek; one granddaughter, Cheryl (Aron) Call of Chandler; and 15 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2011, at Mountain View Cemetery in Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Ave. #301, Mesa, AZ 85210. Information provided by survivors.