Brent, known to many Joe, was born to Nelda and Kenneth Thomas. He joined the family as the youngest. He and his brother Billy were very close. His sister Lorraine was the middle child with two older brothers, Robert and Kenneth Gale. Following the death of his father, his mother moved the family from the Niter farm into the town of Grace. Later she married Dr. E.E. Herron.

Brent graduated from Grace High School. He attended Links School of Business in Boise. While visiting Grace he met and later married Annette Forsgren. They made their home in Grace and raised two sons, Jeremy and Chad. After his employment with Caribou County Road and Bridge, he worked at the Simplot Conda Mine. Later, he returned to college at ISU and earned his bachelor's degree in engineering, graduating with high honors. With the support of his family, he furthered his career as a Process Control Engineer at Monsanto and then at the Rio Tinto Kennecott copper mine. Most recently, he was spending his retirement in Pocatello. Brent has made lifelong friendships and acquaintances along the way.

Brent is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annette Thomas, his sister Lorraine Merrell (Kevin), brother Kenneth Gale Thomas, son Jeremy Thomas, grandson Emmett Thomas, son Chad Thomas (Christina), granddaughter Aspen Thomas, mother-in-law Deann Forsgren, sister-in-law Sharon Harwood (Rick), sister-in-law Judy Fowler, brother-in-law Todd Forsgren, brother-in-law Leland Forsgren (Amy), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Nelda Thomas Herron, father Kenneth Thomas, stepfather E. E. Herron, brother Robert Thomas, brother William (Billy) Thomas, nephew Kenny Thomas, and his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 4th at 12 noon at the Grace Stake Center. Visitation is from 10:30 to 11:30 before the service.