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In Loving Memory Of

Gene Grant Thomas

March 14th, 1931 - February 25th, 2021

Obituary

Gene G. Thomas was born March 14, 1931, to Burle G and Grace E (Miller), and four year old big sister, Margory Thomas of Portland, Oregon. Gene attended Rigler Grade School and graduated from Grant High School in 1950. While at Grant he had taken a jewelry making class and entered his many pieces in a state wide competition and won first place.
 
Before he graduated from Grant High School, Gene joined the Oregon Air National Guard, and has the opportunity to work on A-26, C-47A, and the T-6G.
 
In 1951 the Oregon Air National Guard was called to support the Korean War. Gene worked at Larson AFB in Washington, Chanute AFB, in Illinois, and Hamilton AFB in California.
 
1952 Gene found work at Boeing Aircraft Company, where they were building B-52's. He was still an employee when the first completed B-52 rolled off the assembly line.
 
He met Valerie in 1952 while they were both living in Seattle, Washington. They were married on July 25, 1953 in Snoqualmie, Washington.
 
He quit Boeing and returned to Portland, Oregon. In 1954 he found full time work with the Oregon Air National Guard.  He was the Instrument Shop Supervisor, Quality Control Inspector, and a Recruiter after the draft was abolished. In 1973 he went to the U S Air Force Recruiting School for 30  days, and graduated third in a class of 25. Gene and Ed Hash were the top recruiting team in America. They often gave seminars to other bases.  Gene returned to Maintenance Quality Control Supervisor, with a staff of five. 1979 found Gene as a Training Manager supervising 425 maintenance personnel. He retired from the Oregon Air National Guard in 1986, at age 55. Gene retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, which only 2% of Guardsmen make that rank.
 
In 1959 military men were allowed to grow beards for the Oregon Centennial. The general at the time really admired Gene's beard and had a professional photo taken of it. 
 
Over his 32 years of military service Gene worked on 23 different types of airplanes and jets.
 
Retirement was not for Gene, and he became a freelance consultant for Evergreen Aviation as a Technical Publication and Training Consultant. Gene left Evergreen in 1987.  Later that year he was hired by UPS in Louisville, Kentucky, as a Publication Consultant. He left UPS in 1988. A cousin, Bob Earls, asked Gene to work at A and B Sheet Metal which he did 
for 9 years. 
 
He was a charter member of the Gateway Elks in Portland, Oregon. Started two different Boy Scout Troops. Coached a Little League Team, and volunteered at a shooting range in Sandy.  His love of airplanes and jets led him to organizing and doing research of the Oregon Air National Guard history. He wrote many articles, and helped write a book for Images of America
"The Oregon Air National Guard", by Terrence G Popravak Jr. and Sean M Popravak, Gene is given credit on page 7.  He also helped spread his love of jets by volunteering to assist on a Russian MIG-17, single engine jet, and a DC-3A, static display which was located at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, but was moved to the McMinnville Air Museum after 1993. It is painted in World War II military colors now.  His hobbies included fishing, camping, hunting, bowling, collecting guns, drawing, woodworking, remote controlled model airplanes, and coin collecting. 
 
His parents, a half brother, Terry Thomas and his son, Michael Thomas and his dear sister Margory Thomas Hope Brown preceded him in death.
 
Family survivors are his wife of 68 years, Valerie Thomas, his daughter, Kathy (Thomas) Hurd and spouse Scott Hurd, Grandchildren Sheridan Hurd and spouse Jackie Feller, Emily (Hurd) McMillin and spouse Jacob McMillin, Brian Thomas and spouse Amanda Thomas. Great grandchildren include Abby Thomas, Everett Thomas, Miriam McMillin, and Edith McMillin. 
 
Donations may be made to the  Wounded Warriors or the Heart Association.
 
 

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I got to know Chief Master Sgt. Gene Thomas about 12 years ago working with him on some Air Force and Air Guard history projects. He became a terrific mentor and advocate over the years too. I am saddened by his loss but I am better person for know and working with him. He always had a way to make meaningful human connections. My condolences to the family and his friends. John Hughel, jr.
MANY years ago, Chief Thomas was my recruiter, and he was so kind. I always held a very special place in my heart for him due to his kindness, guidance, sincerity, and sense of humor. He was one of my favorites! After he retired, it was always to nice to see him at Air Guard events.
Blessings to his family.
Debbie VanAcker

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