Sterling Eugene (Gene) Thomas

Sterling Eugene (Gene) Thomas, 67, Milo, Mo., passed away at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, Mo., on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, following a short illness. He was born Sept. 17, 1939, in Nevada, Mo., to Sterling Lemon Thomas and Cleora Mae Belcher Thomas. He married Sandra M. Havens on April 26, 1959, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Gene was a lifelong resident of Vernon County. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1958. Gene worked as a construction inspector for the Missouri State Highway Department for 39 years until his retirement in 2000. He also farmed and raised cattle. Gene was a member of the Pine Street Baptist Church, the Nevada Elks Lodge No. 564, the Missouri Cattleman's Association, and the Wednesday morning coffee bowling league. He enjoyed his grandchildren, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors in addition to his wife Sandy, include one daughter, Bonnie McConnaughy and her husband Daniel, Olathe, Kan.; one son, Odie Thomas and his wife Tami, Nevada; five grandchildren, Eric Hochstatter, Morgan Hochstatter, Heather Thomas, Taylor Thomas, and Colton Thomas; two stepgrandchildren, Melissa McConnaughy, and Amanda McConnaughy; his mother, Polly Thomas, Nevada; one sister, Judy Kimzey, Nevada; two nephews and nieces and one great-nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with John Nichols officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family receives friends 7-8 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 29, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the American Diabetes Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com