Steve Alan Thomas

Steve Alan Thomas, age 76, died October 16, 2023. He was a longtime resident of Redlands. Steve was born October 2, 1947 in Woodland, California to James Allen Thomas and Joyce Geneva McKinney. He was the second of seven children in the family.

Steve joined the Air Force in 1965. He was stationed in Texas, Alabama and California, as well as multiple stations in Germany. Steve retired as a Captain after 24 years of service, including 14 years enlisted and 10 years as a commissioned officer. After leaving the military, he continued working with computers in the furniture and insurance industries before landing a job with the State of California at Patton State Hospital, where he worked for 16 years before his second retirement.

Steve enjoyed working with many civic groups during his lifetime, including the American Legion, the Boy Scouts of America and the Redlands Youth Accountability Board. He served as District 25 Commander, Post 14 and Post 650 Commander and President of the Past Commanders Club for District 25 with the American Legion. He filled many roles in the Boy Scouts of America, including Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Roundtable Commissioner and Assistant District Commissioner.

Steve was an avid long-distance runner in his youth and military days. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, and barbequing. Halloween was his favorite holiday and he enjoyed decorating the house and yard.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ilona. He is also survived by: his son, Mark Thomas, his wife, Andrea Puente, and son, Michael Machado; his daughter, Sonja Brock, and her son Jacob Thomas-Brock; his brothers James Thomas, Patrick Thomas and Geoff Thomas; and his sister Kathy Thomas.