Gene Thomas

Eugene (Gene) Thomas the son of Carol Thomas and Patsy Towler Jenkins was born on June 3, 1958 in Artesia, California and departed this life on October 5, 2017 at the age of 59. Gene always lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He spent a good part of his childhood in California. He always loved spending time on his Aunt Thelma's farm in Kansas and with his Grandad and Grandmother in Oklahoma. His Grandad was his hero whether they were swatting flies on the porch, working in the garden, or fishing. His early HS years were spent traveling the Middle East with his mom and stepdad. He spent time in Barang, Saudi Arabia and Iran. He later graduated from San Marcos Military Academy in San Marcos, TX. After graduation Gene traveled and worked overseas doing oilfield work. At the age of 26 he met and married his wife Debra Thomas. They spent 32 years "walking side by side contending with a single mind for the gospel sake." They had the joy of being Children's Church pastors, youth pastor, music ministers and associate pastors. Gene loved singing and leading praise and worship. Gene worked for James Cookerly at Security Services for 32 years. He was blessed to call him a friend and family over these years. He loved every challenge that came his way in this job and loved "figuring" it out. Gene's greatest joy in life was his family and following his kids in their various sports, speech and music events. They were his pride and joy. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nicky, sister Belinda, and son Caleb. He is survived by a loving family which includes wife Debra Thomas, son Joshua Thomas, daughters Rebecca Thomas and Mary Jones, grandchildren Elijah and Ezekiel, brother Les Thomas and wife Sue, brother's and sister-in-law David and Pam Friesen, Randy Olson, Nieces Bridgette Heinrichs and Jennifer Friesen, Nephew Dalton Olson, Uncle David and Aunt Carolyn. Gene would love to thank all the many people who have touched and been a part of his life.