Clarence "Gene" Eugene Thomas

GENE - Clarence E, Thomas - passed away on August 16, 2023, at the age of 79 plus, after extensive surgery the week prior. Gene was a resident of Phoenix, AZ but was born Nov. 4, 1943 in Okemah, Oklahoma.

His parents Clarence Leon Thomas and Essie Faye (Beasley) Thomas moved to Glendale, AZ when Gene was still a toddler, along with his sister Barbara L. Thomas. A few years later, his brother, Gary W. Thomas, was born into the family.

Gene was proud to be part Cherokee Indian, on his mother's side. Gene's folks bought a few acres in Peoria, AZ. The family worked hard and made it into a small farm. Gene loved living in the country and working outside and with the animals. As he got older, he was in the Future Farmers of America through Peoria High School. He worked on some of the large farms to make extra money during High School.

Gene Graduated from High School in May of 1961. He also did a few years of college, going to a Drafting School.

Gene married his High School Sweetheart on June 21, 1963, Karen I. Berry. Gene's parents helped them get started with their future by giving them a ½ acre of land for a mobile home.

Gene and Karen have 3 great kids, Tammy S. Thomas, Kenneth E. Thomas and Sherry A. Thomas. During the early years of marriage, Gene was a Police Officer in Peoria, AZ, which he liked until he saw the tragic end of a friends life.

As the family grew so did space for the family. In 1972, they bought the home they still live in today.

Then Gene started working at O'Malley's Lumber. His drafting knowledge came in handy to help customers figure out what they needed for projects. When he was ready for a change of occupation his boss and coworker hated to see him leave. He did well at that job, but it was not working outside.

He left O'Malley's and decided to work for a pool company cleaning and servicing pools. Shortly after that, he started his own Pool Service Company. He was the Owner, Operator, and the CEO of Thomas Pool Service.

Gene retired in 2006 at the Age of 65. His wife retired shortly after. During their 15 years of retirement, they bought a second home up North, which they have owned for 5 years and loved going up there for weeks at a time. Sadly, they had to sell the place and stick close to their Phoenix home due to health reasons.

He was an easygoing person. We knew of no one who did not like or love him. After a few Company Celebrations that his wife worked for, her lady friend nicknamed him Stud Muffins and always asked how he was doing.

Most everyone who met Gene liked him because of his easy-going nature and willingness to help others. Gene was a good Son, Husband, Father Brother, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and Friend. Gene loved his family and friends. He will be missed Very Much By All.

A memorial service for Gene will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Golden Door, 11211 Michigan Ave, Youngtown, AZ 85363.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGoldenDoor.com for the Thomas family.