Francis Eugene “Gene” Thomas, son of Mallie and Oma (Pickett) Thomas, was born on April 5, 1934, in Plato, Missouri. Gene passed away on Nov. 26, 2025, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 91.
Gene started school early because his uncle was the teacher at the one room school in Plato. He graduated from Plato High School in 1952. He was baptized on July 6, 1952, in the Roubidoux in Plato. Gene attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin where through a college friend, he was introduced to Ruth Swetnam.
Gene and Ruth married in May 1955 and had six children: Debbie, Randy, Dorothy, Donna, Deanna and Ronnie. Gene’s lifetime career was as an over-the-road truck driver. He lived his entire life in the Plato/Roby area. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed mules and tractors.
Gene is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, son, Ronnie; grandson, Patrick Snyder; infant great granddaughter, Taylor Dees; and son-in-law, Jerry Barnett.
He is survived by his children, Debbie Godde (Ken) of Camdenton, Randy Thomas (Janice) of Sparta, Dorothy Barnett of Houston, Donna Jones (Ron) of Houston and Deanna Turner of Bland; grandchildren, Chance Carrell, Caitlin Carrell (Amy), Chandra Ashworth, Johnnie Revelle, Dylan Carter (Kayla), Dalton Thomas (Shelby), Josh Thomas (Kayla), Holly Windwehen (Chase), Raymond Weddle (Loretta), Alesha English (Ted), Justin Snyder (Christan), Wendy Reed (Matt), Angie Warner (Tuffy), Tracey Hoggatt (Nick Paolella) Chris Romines (Teesha), Jamie Turner (Jake) and Amy Elledge (Chad); 27 great grandsons, 15 great granddaughter, three great great grandsons and six great great granddaughters.
Gene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Houston House and 3 Rivers Hospice. A memorial visitation for Gene will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
So very sorry. Prayers