Eugene F. Thomas

Eugene Franklin Thomas, formerly of the Westerville area, passed from this life in Broken Bow, NE, on December 9 at the age of 91. Born on March 13, 1923, to Otho Ohio and Cennie (Christen) Thomas, Eugene spent his younger years in the Dale Valley area near Merna, NE, on the family ranch. He attended elementary school at Dale and graduated from Merna High School. As a young man, he asked a friend to introduce him to a pretty young school teacher, Ruby Darlene McEwen; and on January 12, 1946, they were married in Phillipsburg, KS. Eugene was a hard worker and the family farmed, ranched, and milked cows on their ground north and east of Westerville. It was here that their three sons were born. After his retirement from farming, Eugene and Ruby moved to Broken Bow where Eugene worked for John Deere, Dr. Coleman, and area farmers. Into his 80’s he enjoyed hunting, especially coyotes, and spent many hours in his wood-working shop. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruby, sisters Eleanor and Willa Mae, and a brother Glen. Left to cherish his memory are sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Susan Thomas of McCool Junction, NE; Jerry and Kay Thomas of Roseland, NE, and Tim and Pat Thomas of Broken Bow, NE. Eugene is survived by six grandchildren—Troy (Ellen) Thomas, Stephanie (Joe) Clark, Jason (Ramona) Thomas, Kristina (Brent) Schleeman, Pamela (Darren) Marten, and Katrina Thomas. Fifteen great grandchildren Olivia, Alexander, Victoria, and Thomas Thomas; Sydnie, Tanner, and Ella Clark; Zachary, Regan, and Payton Thomas; Kaedra Schleeman, Dustin, Tycen and Janae Marten, and Blaize Jackson, and nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:30 AM at the Broken Bow Cemetery with Minister Kathy Salts officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Memorials may be given to the family for a special donation in Eugene’s memory at a later date.