Joan Bleazard Thomas

Joan Bleazard Thomas, former radio host at KSXX Radio and former Utah State Journal Clerk and Manager of Senate Services, died October 26, 2026, at the age of 92.

She was born on January 8, 1934, in Mountain Home, Utah to Mark Walker Bleazard and Evelyn Dorothy Jenson Bleazard. She married Arthur Kenneth Thomas on September 2, 1955.

Joan was a radio host at KSXX Radio in Salt Lake City starting in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. Joan spoke out against war and fought hard for women’s rights and for equal rights and fair treatment for all people. In 1981 Joan received the Susa Young Gates award honoring Utah’s outstanding women for their contributions to furthering women’s rights. Joan was a fan of the internet and enjoyed using it to keep in touch with family and with her many friends. If you search her name, you can hear Joan’s voice speaking at the 1977 International Women’s Rights Conference.

Joan began working at the Utah State Senate in 1976. Joan enjoyed being involved in the political process. Joan was presented with an official Utah State Senate Citation honoring her work and her achievements. Joan endeared all with her warm smile and her friendly, caring disposition. She always had a beautiful smile, a listening ear, a helping hand and a kind heart for everyone she greeted. She fulfilled her responsibilities in a calm, meticulous and professional manner that was admired by all.

Joan was raised in the Uinta Basin in the small town of Talmage. She was the second of four daughters born to Mark and Evelyn Bleazard. Her family homesteaded in the Basin, and she was very proud of her heritage and of the sacrifices made by her parents and grandparents in settling the area. Joan was always a devoted daughter and sister. She lovingly supported, worried about, and cared for her parents. She had three sisters Barbara, Marlene, and Verl who loved her dearly.

Joan and Ken Thomas were married for 71 years. Ken worked for Unisys Corporation for 33 years as a technical writer. Together, he and Joan enjoyed traveling and watching the Utes and Jazz and joking about what social events they were going to enjoy staying home from. Their time and attention was devoted to family and in supporting their children and grandchildren in their activities.

Ken and Joan are the parents of four sons. Steve (Kathy), Mark (Sharry), Blaine (Inez) and Stan (Lisa, deceased; Marti Trunnell) and one daughter Marianne (Chris Moore). Their children along with their 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren were a huge source of joy to her and continue to be a huge source of joy for Ken. There are no grandparents prouder than they. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren know they are loved and welcome in their home. They loved to visit, play ball in the backyard and to be read to and told stories by their loving grandmother. The family enjoyed many parties and celebrations at Thomas’ house. The traditions are plentiful and rich. Joan was truly the “heart” of her home and family.

Funeral services will be held at Memorial Estates Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Salt Lake City Utah, November 11th at 1:00 PM.

To View Joan’s services, please click the link below:

https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/7KNWNY

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Democratic National Party, Shriners Hospital, or to the charity of your choice.