D. Eugene Thomas

Date of Death: May 31, 2010

D. Eugene “Gene” Thomas, 59, of Lafayette, died at 2:34 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2010, at Clarian Arnett Hospital.
Born Sept. 25, 1950, in Lafayette, he was the son of the late I. Douglas and Marianna Mangus Thomas. He graduated from Clinton Prairie High School in 1969, then from Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio.
His first marriage was to Brenda Shepherd, and they divorced. On May 17, 2008, he married Pamela Royer in Mansfield, Ind., and she survives.
He owned Thomas Insurance Agency for 25 years and retired in 2008. During high school he worked at Rex Marathon in Mulberry and in the early ?70s he owned and operated the Union 76 station in Dayton. From 1973 to 1982 he was an agent and sales manager for Prudential Insurance.
Mr. Thomas was a member of Lafayette First Church of the Nazarine and enjoyed golf, carpentry, welding and flea markets.
Surviving with his wife are two sisters, Patti A. Thomas Maxson and Jenny L. Hampsch (husband: James), both of Lafayette.
Gene was preceded in death by daughter, Amy Thomas on Sept. 18, 2006; and brother, Dennis Thomas.
Visitation 5-8 p.m. today, June 2, 2010, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Friends will be received one hour prior to a 2 p.m. service Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, Dr. Dan Lima officiating. Interment at Fairhaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lafayette Christian School in memory of his daughter, Amy.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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In 1976 I met Gene at Purdue&s Insurance marketing institute. Later, I ran into him at Pekin Insurance Company meetings.

He always had a good word for others and would ask me how my brother was getting along. Dick Byrd suffered 2 strokes in 2002 and remains in Rosewalk village on Union.

I knew the passing of his daughter hit him hard, but he kept a professional image up as he worked with the public.

Surely, God has wrapped his arms around Gene tonight and welcomed him into eternal peace.

You were respected, Gene, and will be missed by many. God&s speed, old friend.

Pam & Family -

I am so sorry to hear about Gene&s passing. I worked with Gene for 2 years at RME. He was a great guy. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Danielle Kelly

Dear Pam,
I don&t know if you remember me, but we used to work together @ Culligan many years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. I always remember Gene with a smile on his face and very nice man. Please know you&re in my thoughts & prayers.

Stephanie

Pam and Gene&s Family:

I was so sorry to learn today of Gene&s passing. His letters to me in recent months always meant so much. I appreciate his remembering me. As you know, Gene, Dick and the rest of the ""golf gang"" had so much fun over the years. Gene thought so much of Dick and Dick felt the same. From being next door neighbors to longtime friends, they were quite the pair. They laughed much and had a great friendship. Dick was looking forward to being Best Man at your wedding. Gene missed Dick so much and the fact that he remained in touch with me means more than I could express. I am very happy that you two got married and he had you in his life, Pam. You were there when he needed someone and he appreciated all that you did for him. He always told me that in each letter.

Please take good care of yourself. I will try to be at the service on Thursday if I can. I learned too late this afternoon to come this evening. You are in my thoughts, prayers and heart. Love to you, Donna

Pam,

We just moved back to the Lafayette area in Feb. of this year. We want you to know that we are so sorry to hear about Gene. We want you to know we will be praying for you during this time of loss.

We would love to come to the services but Mary Ann was diagnosed with cancer immediately on our return and has undergone a mastectomy and is now in Chemo. The Drs. tell us that in her weakened condition we are to avoid all crowds where she might be exposed to some kind of bug. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely

Jack & Mary Ann Haig

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Please accept my sincere apology for not being able to attend.

Your family is in my prayers.

Respectfully,

Ken Crick

Jenny and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Know your friends care deeply for you at this time . . . and always!
Craig and Angie

We are so sorry for your loss. Our lives have been enriched by our friendship with Gene. Our prayers are with you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.