H.E. "Gene" Thomas

HURST -- H.E. "Gene" Thomas passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, March 28, 2015, at age 89. Celebration of life: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Smithfield United Methodist Church in North Richland Hills. Inurnment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Gene was a Marine who proudly served in the Pacific theater in World War II and ended his tour of duty in Nagasaki, Japan. He graduated from the University of Illinois and was a gifted mechanical engineer and inventor who held five patents. He was unusually helpful, creative and smart and loved his family. Gene was a concerned citizen and regularly wrote to our government representatives about protecting our environment and advocating justice for those who cannot speak for themselves. The way Gene lived his life is an inspiration and this world is a better place because he was here. He will be greatly missed by all who had privilege to know him. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved brothers, Archie Thomas and Glenn Thomas and cousin, Tom Varns. Survivors: The love of his life, Nita, to whom he was married for 67 years. Gene also is survived by his sister, Rosella and husband, James Wood, of Shreveport, La.; sister-in-law, Marjorie Thomas of Diamond Bar, Calif.; and cousin, Irene Pryor of Springfield, Ill. In addition, Gene leaves behind three daughters, Sarah and husband, Rudolph Cathey, of Blanco, Joy Marsha Thomas of Weilerbach, Germany, and Carol and husband, Mike Rowley, of Albuquerque, N.M. He also was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Lucas Funeral Home Hurst, 817-284-7271 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of H.E. "Gene" Thomas please visit our Sympathy Store.