April 5, 1921 - July 22, 2010

Earl E. "Gene" Thomas, 89, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Paris, Illinois passed away at 10:55 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

He was born April 5, 1921 in Paris, Illinois, the son of the late James Earl and Mary (Shanks) Thomas. He was a 1939 graduate of Paris High School. Prior to enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he was associated with his father in Earl's Packard-Nash-LaFayette Sales & Service. He was assigned to Kelley Air Foce Base in San Antonio, Texas, where in January 1943 he married his Paris High School sweetheart, Lois Ann Morris. He was sent to the South Pacific Theatre and assigned to the F.E.A.F. (Far Eastern Air Force).

Following the end of WWII, he and his loving wife, Lois, moved to San Antonio where they owned and operated Thomas Auto Sales for over thirty-five years. During this time, Gene also restored antique and special interest automobiles. Gene liked working with his hands, and did most of the resotorations in his own shop. In the early 1980s, they sold their car collection and switched their interest to RVing.

Gene loved animals and was never without his pet dogs. His latest canine companion was a dachsund named Hildee. He also loved his church family, and was a devoted member of Woodlawn Christian Church of San Antonio for many years, where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. He often joked about the church "trusting a used car dealer with their finances." He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alamo City Historical Auto Club, and the National Model A Club.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Lois A. Thomas of San Antonio, Texas, several nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to First Christian Church of Paris or the charity of the donor's choice in care of Templeton Funeral Home, 600 E. Court St., Paris, IL 61944.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. August 14, 2010 at Woodlawn Christian Church, 1744 West Gramercy, San Antonio, Texas. A local memorial service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. September 11, 2010 at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris with the Reverend Michael C. Dixon officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. A military flag presentation will be conducted by American Legion Post #211 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3601. Burial was private on July 27, 2010 at Edgar Cemetery.