Darl Thomas

Darl Thomas, metal sculptor/ artist, passed away at his home in Salt Lake City on Wednesday June 5th, 2024 at the age of 74.

His wife Ivana and cats, Rusty and Elsa were present.

Darl was born and raised in the Ballpark Neighborhood of Salt Lake City. He was one of six siblings. He went to South High, though he spent more time driving around instead. He did like band and played the drums. He was in a garage band called “The Rooks”. Their best gig was a battle-of-the-bands where they placed near the top and won $20 for their efforts.

Darl started college at the University of Utah in the architecture department but quickly switched to art. He soon realized that working in 3D with metal was his medium. Influenced by his teachers there, he chose to pursue his Master of Fine Arts at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. There Darl met his future wife Ivana. After graduation, Ivana and Darl moved to Salt Lake and got married in his parents living room, officiated by Darl’s father and witnessed by his mother, sister and their poodle.

In his long art career, Darl exhibited his metal sculptures in numerous art shows, galleries and art festivals. He won a number of large scale public art commissions in Utah. His artwork was unique and impeccably crafted with precision. Darl was a highly skilled machinist and welder.

Darl was a big fan of the space program and astronomy. He always ran outside to watch the ISS pass by in the sky. Darl was honored when he was asked by ATK to design and build a Memorial sculpture for those who lost their lives at their Corrine Rocket Plant.

All his life Darl admired and took photos of power line towers and generators. It was a perfect fit for him to design all the art work for the Trax Power Station.

Darl always enjoyed driving up State Street and seeing his Plane and Sphere pair of sculptures at the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

In his studio, there was always music playing: blues, rock, an eclectic blend of tunes from KRCL he taped.

He was also a big fan of The Moth Radio Hour.
He and Ivana attended Utah Symphony concerts regularly. Darl was a nature lover and bird watcher. He and Ivana enjoyed hiking, camping and road trips, visiting many national parks. They loved going to the Bear River Bay Bird Refuge.
A recent favorite trip was to Marfa, TX to visit Chinati and Judd Foundation sites. His last trip was to Austin, TX for the solar eclipse.

Darl enjoyed daily walks with his wife and meeting neighbors. He liked talking to people and making new friends. He was a kind man who never hesitated to help when needed.

For the last several years, Wednesday bowling with his ROMEO buddies was an important part of his week.

Darl loved kitties. Over the years, he loved Charcoal and Little Kitty, Ami and Tina, and most recently Bandi, Elsa and Rusty. Rusty was his lap companion to the end.

Darl also loved classic cars, especially Volvos. He drove his 1965 Amazon 122 for years, later a 1967 P1800.

Darl is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ivana, and cats, Rusty and Elsa. Also brother Lynn (Cherie) Thomas, Mary Lee Clift, Lisa (Tom) Arnold, uncles David and Lenard DeGraw, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Verlyn and Leora Thomas, sisters Malinda and Joyce, and brother in law Les Clift.

A Celebration of Darl’s life will be July 18, 6-8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. All friends and family welcome.