Thomas, Algie Raymond

Algie Raymond Thomas, 98, of Fresno, Calif. and formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2009, due to a lengthy illness. A private service was held with burial at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno, Calif. He will be greatly missed.

Messages for the family may be left at .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society.

Algie was born to Raymond Edwin and Mabel Thomas on Nov. 14, 1910, in Aerlie, Pipestone County, Minn. His family went to western South Dakota when he was six to homestead land west of Faith, SD. They returned to live in Flandreau and Sioux Falls, SD. He lived in Cedar Rapids from 1944-1954, then moved to Fresno, Calif. He was employed by Fresno Unified School District for 19 years.

He is survived by his beloved companion of 37 years, Jeanne “Kit” Hedges; his son, Donald Algie Thomas; his daughter-in-law, Coleen Thomas-Pickett; five grandchildren, Lee Kruse, Michelle Ross, Lesa Friend, Jeff Thomas, Steve Thomas, Mike Thomas, and Jane Thomas. He also had 14 great-grandchildren.

Algie was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Alan Edward Thomas; his brother, Russell Thomas; and his sister, Irene Pierson.