Darryl Roy Thomas

Darryl Roy Thomas, 83, of Boise, Idaho, passed away at home on August 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Thomas, and sister, Sharryl M. Freese. He is survived by his wife, Donna Sue Thomas; sons, Darryl D. (Victoria) Thomas and Jack P. Thomas; daughter, Dana M. (Dennis) Bingaman of Boise/Meridian, ID; brother, Warren “Tom” (Mary) Thomas of Rush, NY; sister, Winona Wonsey Ford of Lima, NY; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Darryl was born on June 5, 1943, at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, to Dale Stanley Thomas and Francis “Lois” Ornt Thomas.

As a young boy, Darryl fell in love with baseball while listening to games on the radio at the trailer of his beloved grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Clutter, in Macedon Center, New York. A Michigan native, he stayed a loyal Detroit Tigers fan and cheered for the Lions and Red Wings. He loved looking through his baseball card collection and had a remarkable ability to share stories and statistics about the players.

He later brought that love of baseball to coaching his children’s Avon Little League teams. Family gatherings often began with a game of catch or mowing the grass into a baseball diamond and calling, “Play ball!”

Darryl met the love of his life, Donna Sue, in Avon, New York. They loved dancing together and showing off their moves; in his younger years, Darryl would even drop into the splits, spring back up and continue to dance without missing a beat.

They married in 1965 and began their life together, ready to make a home wherever their journey took them.

Darryl worked in drywall construction, which gave the family the flexibility to follow available work. With relatives in New York and Idaho, they moved between the two states over the years and spent a brief time in Palm Desert, California. After their children were grown, Darryl and Donna Sue took one last adventure moving to Seattle, Washington before putting down roots in Boise, Idaho.

Darryl and Donna Sue shared 61 years of marriage, and their enduring affection showed in the way they often held hands and shared a kiss.

Darryl was deeply devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would sacrifice anything for his family and played a remarkable role in his grandchildren’s lives, always ready to help with grace and abundant love.

Darryl loved his family, and he loved God. Every road trip between New York and Idaho began with prayer and the Bible placed on the car’s dashboard.

Darryl accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1970 and was baptized in 1973.

Darryl loved God and his church community. After leaving construction, he served for 15 years as the church’s maintenance superintendent before retiring in 2015. His church family appreciated his hard work and playful sarcasm; although he tried to appear tough, they knew him as a big-hearted softy.

Darryl made a lasting impression on many people throughout his life. Even a trip to the grocery store became an opportunity for Darryl to connect with others, and he rarely missed the chance to begin a conversation with someone he met.

He consistently put others first and listened without judgment or criticism. During his children’s high school years, their friends affectionately called him “Mr. T,” and the Thomas home became a favorite gathering place. That welcoming tradition continued with his grandchildren’s friends.

Darryl will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous heart, and devotion to family, leaving a legacy of love that will endure for generations.