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Gary Thomas Obituary
Gary Marion Thomas
July 16, 1939 - July 20, 2024
CORVALLIS, OR - Gary Marion Thomas, age 85, passed away July 20, 2024, surrounded by his family in his Corvallis, OR, home. He was born to Agnes (Grosjacques) Thomas Uselman on July 16, 1939 in Silverton, OR. A fifth generation Oregonian, he grew up in Mt. Angel, OR, the eldest of six boys. He graduated from Mt. Angel Prep in 1957, and Oregon State University after a 3-year term, in the US Navy.
Gary married, Yvonne Smith, from Woodburn in 1962. They moved to Corvallis to attend OSU. Their children, Mitchell, Emily, and Cora, were born there. He was an active father supporting his children in many activities.
Gary was a devout Catholic, a long-time member of St. Mary's. He spent most of his work career as an electrician at the Halsey mill. Gary was farmer and hunter who loved the outdoors. He was a cowboy, a team roper. After retirement, he and Yvonne spent many winters in Tonopah, AZ. In his later year, he read extensively and was interested in politics, concerned for our country's future. He volunteered with St. Vincent DePaul food bank in Corvallis.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Douglas Uselman; and sister-in-law, Karla Uselman; brothers-in-law, Mick DeSantis; and Ed Haugen.
He is survived by his brothers, John Daws Thomas, and Daniel Uselman, both of Silverton, Lynn Uselman, Canby and Clint Uselman, Mt. Angel. Yvonne, his wife of 62 years; son, Mitchell (Julie Perko), Portland; daughters, Emily Thomas (Jason Seivers,) Corvallis, and Cora (Larry Nordby,) Chelan, WA; and grandchildren, Beau, and Duke Nordby, Hazel Seivers, and Lark Thomas, will miss him dearly.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow in Corvallis Community Center. Burial will be St. Luke's cemetery in Woodburn, OR. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Lumina Hospice, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or a charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Thomas
1 Entry
Mary and Ron Prevost
August 28, 2024
Gary was a faithful member of St Mary´s parish in Corvallis. He will be missed very much.
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