Robert Eugene “Gene” Thomas

McCammon… Robert Eugene “Gene” Thomas was born January 17, 1927 to O. Glenn and Mildred Thomas in Monrovia, California. Gene passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at home in McCammon, Idaho. Gene grew up in and around Pocatello, Idaho. He later joined the United States Navy in 1944 and was stationed in Grosse lle, Michigan. He met and married Geraldine “Jerrie” Hall of Detroit, Michigan in 1945. Gene raised 5 children: Judy Rosner (Rick) of Newport, Michigan, Tim Thomas (Cindy) of Fort Worth Texas, Katy Baumgardner of Jackpot, Nevada, Suzy Knudsen (Chris) of Meridian, Idaho and O. Glenn Thomas II, of Pocatello, Idaho. Gene worked as a Stationary Engineer for most of his life in and around the Detroit area. He then retired in 1976 at which time he moved his family back to Idaho. During that time Gene farmed his property, hauled sugar beets, potatoes, and hay as well as owning his own auto repair shop in McCammon. In 1986 Gene lost his wife of 41 years. He later remarried Delores Hawkes and shared the next 27 years with her until his death. During those years, together with Delores, they built 2 homes in the McCammon community. His biggest passion was the restoration of his 1970 Dodge Crew cab. Gene was the Jack of all Trades, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build. All his friends knew this and were continuously asking Gene for advice. One of his favorite pastimes included several trips to Idaho with the family camping along the way. Later in life, he enjoyed the finish work on his home and spending time with family and friends. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Glenn and Bill Thomas, his wife Jerrie, son Daniel, stepdaughter Chris, step-grandson Trevor and great-granddaughter Dana. Gene is survived by his wife Delores Thomas, children, Judy, Tim, Katy, Suzy, and Glenn. Stepchildren Hugh (Wilma) Hawkes, Downey, ID; Holly Hawkes, Great Falls, MT, and Sherman Hawkes, Caldwell, Idaho, as well as an “adopted son” Brian Cutler, McCammon, ID. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Two brothers, Scott Thomas of Yuma, Arizona, and Tom Thomas of Wales Center, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. This obituary was written by his children who’d like to say that Dad was bigger than life, funnier than the best comedians and as loving as a dad could be. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. “I did it my way” Dad’s wishes were simple, no fanfare just remember and share a fond memory of him. There will not be a service at this time. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. If you wish, donations can be made to your favorite charity in his name. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home.