Thomas Johns Sr.

Gene, as he was known, was born on November 14th, 1949 in Austin, Texas to J C and Myrtle Bea Johns. He grew up in the Austin area on various dairy farms with his six siblings. He joined the Marines in 1969 where he proudly served his country.

Gene was a cowboy through and though. He spent much of his life on horseback, working, roping, and raising various animals. He was the proud father of Thomas Johns Jr. (Shorty) and Amanda Rucker (Do). He enjoyed and took pride in taking them to various rodeos throughout their childhood. He later became “Papa Johns” to his 5 grandchildren, who all were able to learn from his lectures at some point or another at Diamond J Arena. More than anything, Gene loved spending time with his life partner, Sheryl Dietrich-Neff, and their various animals in Blue, Texas. This summer, he also became a great grandfather to his great grandson Lane (peanut), and was looking forward to meeting his future great granddaughter, Karsyn Kaye, in October.

Gene is survived by his life partner Sheryl Dietrick-Neff, children, Shorty (wife Crissye Watson) Johns and Amanda (husband Cody) Rucker; his grandchildren Staci (husband David) Howell,

Jayme (husband Luke) Ely, Trent Bolding, Cayli Johns, Ashtyn Rucker; his great-grandchild Lane Howell and second great-grandchild, Karsyn Ely, due in October. Gene is also survived by

his siblings, Alice Clawson, Nell Salmon, Lonnie (wife Demetra) Johns, Kathy Johns Klipsch (husband Cliff), and Barbara Heinzke. Gene is also survived by numerous neices and nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Johns, and his brother-in-laws Dale Clawson and Larry Heinzke. Gene is also preceded in death by his nephews, Richard (Dootle) Johns Jr., Keith Heinzke, and neice Donna Gayle Hamby.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 Hwy 95 North, Elgin, TX 78621, US, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on September 9, 2026.