Roll Call Tribute

Gary Edward Thomas 

December 21, 1936 - April 5, 2023 

Gary Edward Thomas, Texas A&M's Class of '58, was called home by his heavenly Father on April 5, 2023.

He was born on December 21, 1936, to Lyons and Ruby (Louder) Thomas in Bigfoot, TX. He graduated from Martin High School, Laredo, TX, in 1954.

Gary attended Texas A&M University and was a member of Squadron 7 where he became a member of The Ross Volunteers as well as numerous Honor Societies. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Harmon Air Force base in Newfoundland, he met his future bride Martha Sue Hardwick. They began married life in July, 1963 and later returned to Texas A&M for his Masters Degree.

After leaving active duty in the Air Force, Gary became a pioneer in the budding computer industry as a General Systems Engineer for IBM where software began as thousands of punch cards, then floppy discs, and later hard-drives. After a 22 year career with IBM, he went to work for Hocheim Prairie Farm and Mutual Insurance managing their company servers.

When he retired in 2002, he and Sue moved back to "small town" College Station where they enjoyed attending Aggie sporting events and reuniting/meeting with other retired Aggies. He both loved and feared God and was a faithful member of A&M Church of Christ.

Two early passions in Gary's life were building and flying model airplanes and hot-rods, and was unselfishly willing to share his knowledge and wisdom on these matters with his two sons and anyone else willing to learn.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and survived by his wife; sons, Jon and wife, Renay, Kirk and wife, Liz; his brother, George Edward Thomas and wife, Jean; as well as numerous cousins. Kayla, his loyal walking companion, will miss him dearly.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Yeh, the oncology nurses at BSW cancer clinic, Hospice nurses Sarah, Monica, and Gabriel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aggieland Humane Society,  American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.

There will be memorial service at a later date for family.