Eugene Thomas

Eugene Ray Thomas, one of seven children of James Gerald Thomas and Vera Pearl (Graul) Thomas, was born on a farm near Red Oak, Iowa. Gene grew up in the Red Oak area where he graduated from high school in 1951. For a time, Gene worked at the Western Auto Store in Red Oak. On April 11, 1955, Gene enlisted into the United States Army where he served until April 10, 1957, at which time he was transferred to the United States Army Reserve.
Gene returned to Red Oak where he and Donna Rae Douglas were married and Gene became a father to Donna's son Scott. Gene returned to work for the Red Oak Western Auto Store. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army Reserve on March 31, 1963. The family moved to the Denver, Colorado area where he was employed as a construction worker. Gene and Donna Rae were divorced and Gene continued to live in the Denver area where he retired in 1998.
Gene died at St. Anthony Hospital in Westminster, Colorado on January 6, 2004. He had attained the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 16 days. Gene was preceded in death by his infant brother James G. Thomas, his parents, and his brothers Max Thomas and Dale Thomas. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Hatfield of Malvern, Iowa, Lola Lewis of Katy, Texas, and Ruth Divis and her husband Ken of Omaha, Nebraska; stepson Scott Thomas and grandson Shane Thomas of California; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.