Spencer Thomas

SACATON - Spencer Deno Thomas, 65, of Sacaton, who was a tribal judge and active in the Gila River Indian Community’s politics and agriculture, died on Dec. 24, 2014, in Gilbert.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in Sacaton. The funeral will follow at 10, with Pastor Randy Ruiz officiating.

Mr. Thomas was born on May 7, 1949, in Sacaton and was a son of Samuel H. and Rebecca Thomas. He graduated from Ganado Mission High School in Ganado and joined the Marine Corps, where he served for nine years, including in the Vietnam War. When he returned, he became interested in tribal politics and began serving in various positions. He was a District 4 councilman from 1984 to 1993 and president of the Southwest Indian Agricultural Association from 2000 to 2008. He was chairman of the annual conference planning committee for the organization for seven years.

He also served on the Intertribal Agricultural Council for five years and on the Gila River Farms board for nine years. He was an elected and pro tem judge for the Gila River Community and also was chief judge for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and a visiting judge for various other Native American communities. He enjoyed farming, reading and research and also spending time with friends.

Survivors include two sisters, Gina Thomas Enos and Edith Thomas of Sacaton.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel is in charge of arrangements.