Eugene Allen Thomas
October 14, 1915 - October 22, 2008
Obituary
Eugene ‘Gene’ A. Thomas, age 93, died peacefully October 22, 2008 at the Weatherly Inn in Kent.
He was born in Blairstown, Mo. to John David Thomas and Bessie Bernice October 14, 1915. When he was 4 years old his family moved to Bozeman MT. He graduated from Gallatin County High with a personal motto of ‘better late than never’ and the nickname, ‘Slewfoot’. He continued his education at Montana State University graduating in 1938 with a B.S. in Architecture. He was a member of Phi Bata Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma and Delta Phi Delta honor societies, Omega Beta fraternity and the Gallatin Masonic Lodge. He received his Grand Lodge 50-year award in 1986.
Gene married Elna Marie Monstad December 25, 1938 in Bozeman, MT. The day also marked the 24th wedding anniversary of his parents.
Gene served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant J.G, Executive Officer Skipper in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign- Philippine Liberation and Japan. He received an honorable discharge in May 1946.
He was employed in Architectural offices in Seattle before moving to Bremerton in 1958 to work as a Supervisory Architect in Public works at PSNS.
He was a member of Seaview Methodist and Our Saviors Lutheran church, Sons of Norway, The Eagles, Elks, NRA, Kidney Center hospital board, and supported the National Wildlife Federation.
Gene was a furniture maker, fisherman, hunter, bridge and poker player, accomplished dancer, prankster, jokester, and volunteer at the Bremerton Naval Museum and YMCA.
He valued God, family, children, education, scholarship, honesty, integrity, hard work, practicality, frugality, humor, friendship, loyalty, commitment, charity, and service to others. He believed that when one has an opportunity to learn and know better, they are able to do better. His daughters and grandchildren are grateful for his encouragement while they earned their apprenticeship and university educations.
Gene was a child of the depression, served his country with honor and was blessed by the Lord with a healthy, long life filled with a loving family and precious friendships. He loved life’s dance and participated to the fullest. He commented at his 90th birthday party, ‘If I had known that I would live this long, I would have take better care of myself’!
Gene is survived by his sister, Elsie Lyle Rice in Three Forks, MT., two daughters: Beverly Jean Young in Silver Spring, MD. and Karen Elaine and Arthur B. Kalberg in Renton, WA. five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Jason Christopher, Coni, Madeleine Rose, and Alexandra Grace Young in Indian Trail, NC., Josh Drayden, Lindsey, Olivia Grace and Drayden Todd Young in Huntingtown, MD., Jeremy Todd Young in Edgewood, MD., Kevin Arthur, Tammy, Kailee Ahn- Haong, Brittney Lin- Haong, and Kira Marie Kalberg in Maple Valley, WA. Kaaren Caroline, Brandon, Spencer Thomas and Olivia Caroline Kim in Covington, WA., ten nieces and nephews, and his in-laws: Jimmie Kell and Mary Ellen Young in Bowie, Md. and Carolyn Ann Kalberg in Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elna Marie Thomas in 1988.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, 10/26 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA. 206 242-1787. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, 11/8, 1:30 pm at Newport Hills Community Church, 5833 – 119th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425 746 8304. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Newport Hills Community Church Children’s Programs.
He was a very quiet and intelligent man. I am sure that he will be missed by the family. May they always remember the great past. I will always remember the nights that I spent at their home.
Bev and Karen,
I will miss your father and my uncle Gene. He was always one of my favorite uncle’s. He made me laugh with his great since of humor and I will always appreciate his sincerity when you talked to him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Gene’s passing. He is the last in line of so many wonderful aunts and uncles who have gone on before him. I would love to see and hear their reunion — I know there will be much laughing and story telling and, of course, Uncle Gene will have several jokes to tell! He was a man who loved a good joke!
I’m looking forwerd to the celebration of his life on 11-8-08. My daughter, Cynthia, and I will be attending and we hope to see many of our cousins and their families. My prayers are with Karen and Bev and their families. I hope you don’t think of his death as leaving us behind — rather that he has gone before us and we will follow in our own time. See you soon! Love and hugs, Cousin Pam
OUR REGRETS TO ALL OUR FAMILY FOR THE PASSING OF THE PATRIARCH…..
…..GRANDPA..
LOVE AND GRATITUDE
Greetings,
I have mom’s geneology records out and I am in the process of updating the information above. Kaaren and Jim Young are working on some pictures so check in for more information. Love to all and we will see some of you on the 8th.
Art and Karen Kalberg
What a loss—sounds like he was a great man. Have been
looking for the Thomas family for several years, as Gene is a descendant “I;m Sure” of Sara Eliza Morrow Thomas, daughter of Richard Neal Morrow and Sarah E. Hanes. I to
descend from Richard Neal’s daughter Mary Catherine Morrow
Ryan (my grandmother). Sarah Eliza married Benjamin A. Thomas Aug. 1885 Henry County Missouri. Children John D., Bertha Ann, Jessie E., Benjamin H., and Sarah O.J. Thomas. Hoping to find email or snail mail to make connects to confirm our family connect. God Bless and who know maybe Gene will provide a little help in this family quest.