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Gary Thomas Obituary

THOMAS Gary Edward Thomas 79 years old, Resident of Folsom, LA, since 2009 and resident of Terrytown, LA, for 43 years. Date of death: August 20, 2014, after a lengthy illness. Loving husband for 55 years of Kathleen Harrigan Thomas of New Orleans, LA. Devoted father of Karen Stall (Charles), Kristin Thomas, Kevin Thomas (Kellie), and Kyle Thomas (Rene'). Proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren [Charles T. (Caeti) & William Stall; Samuel, Jacob, & Kathryn Engro; Kaiden & Korbin Thomas; and Brady & Zachary Thomas, Sydney Watson, and Mia Cantrell] and 1 great-grandchild (Lili). Brother of Ronald Thomas of Slidell, LA, Gay Thomas Meyers, Jayess, MS, and JoEllen Hall of Marrero, LA. Beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and trusted friend of all who knew him. Born August 25, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to Alois Edward Thomas of LaSalle, Illinois, and Beulah Mae Terry, of Independence, Louisiana Graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School, class of 1952. Member of the 1952 All-City Baseball team. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-58. Attended Louisiana State University and University of New Orleans. Served for 23 years in the New Orleans Fire Department, specifically on the Rescue Squad. Retired as Fire Operator in 1989. Served as Vice President of Faces, Etc. from 1981 - 2005 Member and former Chief of Terrytown Volunteer Fire Department Lifelong Saints and Tigers fan. A man who found joy in helping others. A memorial for Gary Thomas will be held Wednesday, August 27 at Metairie Country Club, 580 Woodvine Dr., Metairie, LA 70005. Doors open at 4 pm. Prayers, eulogy, and visiting from 6 pm to 8 pm. Complimentary valet parking will be available. Friends and family of the Thomas, Stall, and Engro families as well as members of the NOFD and TVFD are welcomed to join the family to celebrate Gary's life. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gary Thomas's name to LOPA, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, 3545 N.I-10 Service Rd., Ste., 300, Metairie, LA 70002. Please sign the online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Thomas

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To my beloved grandfather. Thank you for all the memories and love you have given us over the years. You've always been there for us when we needed you. You deserve to be at peace. I love you poppa. You're my hero.

Brady Thomas

September 21, 2014

To my beloved grandfather. Thanks for all the love and care you have given us all these years. You now sit by God and his angels. You deserve to be at peace now. I love you poppa. You're my hero.

Brady Thomas

September 21, 2014

To The Thomas Family:
It was a honor and a privilege to care for Mr. Thomas. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Home Instead Senior Care

September 5, 2014

Gary was always a positive spirit around Engine 7's quarters being brought up in the brotherhood of firefighters. A caring and giving man. You'll always be a part of pleasant memories from the past. Softball tournaments, volleyball in the yard at the FH just to name a few. You will be missed by many indeed. My condolences extend to your family.
God Bless!
"Lil T."

Tommy Burns Jr.

August 28, 2014

Mr. Thomas, You were a Pyro kids dream come true on Jan, 1 1980 when you brought us kids bags and bags of fireworks to lite off!! My Dad said damn good thing you are a fiirefighter!! You may have your work cut out for you with this one!! Meaning ME!! Love you and your Family always, Rick Stewart

Rick Stewart

August 27, 2014

Love you papa you are loved and missed. Thanks for being such a loving and amazing person and role model.

Katie Leigh Stall

August 27, 2014

Gary was a "charter member" the first year the TAK Fraternity was reorganized in April 1987. Like several girls who attended Redemptorist, Kathleen "encouraged" Gary to join. Both were very active -- attending almost all functions. Gary was a devoted member of TAK. He often commented how wonderful it was that our Rams classmates were so close together. He was glad to be a part of it.
I meet Gary in 1963 when we bowled on opposite teams. At the time I did not know he was married to my classmate. When he arrived at our first TAK function, I asked what was he doing here? He said my wife told me to join. Sounds like Kathleen. Happy she did. Gary was one of the nicest men I knew-- always with a smile and soft spoken for such a Big Bird. When I moved to Diamondhead, I meet three men who were former fireman in New Orleans. Of course, I mentioned Gary. All had nothing but good things to say about Gary.
He will be sorely missed. My condolences Kathleen and family.

Jerry Moreau

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to Gary's family in this sad time, "Big Bird" thanks for the guidance and friendship you gave to a young firefighter so many years ago. Till we meet again God bless.
Tom Berggren RS NOFD

August 25, 2014

We will miss you my friend. You will always be in our thouhts and prayers, as well as Kathleen. Gerald & Theresa Dellucky.

August 24, 2014

May God Bless "Big Bird", a true friend and co-worker for many years.

Tommy Burns

August 24, 2014

Kathleen, Karen, Kristin, Kevin, and Kyle, The Wesley Gravolet Family extends their thoughts to you and prayers to all of your extended families for the soul of Gary Wesley(son) wanted me to tell all of you how sorry he was to hear the news, especially to Kevin and Kyle. ; know he remembers all the good times with your dad.. I know you know that Gary is at peace and he will always be in your hearts.

August 24, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Gary Civello

August 24, 2014

My dear big brother...I have thought of you so much this month. I was waiting to call you as I always do to wish you Happy 80th Birthday but now I have to say good bye. You and I have had so many silly, witty, crazy times together.You were a great bowler. I guess I picked that sport up from you. I always loved our telephone conversations especially when we went to say goodbye; we would tell each other that we loved each other. I will miss hearing you tell me hello Jo or goodbye little sis. I am going to miss you so very much. I know this is only for a time until we see each other again. I know you are in heaven having all those conversations with all the people who have gone before you. I remembered when I was 4 years old and you came in from the Navy. You had just been in Greece and you brought me a doll from there.I loved that doll. I looked up to you so much and when I asked for adviced you were right on the money.
I am so Blessed to have had you for my brother. May you rest in peace. As I sign off, just one thing I love you.

JoEllen Thomas-Hall

August 23, 2014

Our prayers to the his wonderful family.

August 23, 2014

For you, my father, my hero. Thank you. All of my love to you...

Kyle Thomas

August 23, 2014

Mr Gary. You were very much loved in this world and will find peace in the next. You were a great role model and you will live on in the heart of all who loved you.

Linda Stall

August 22, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Staff of E.J. Fielding Funeral Home

August 22, 2014

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