He passed to the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, June 19th due to complications from Parkinson's at Frasier Meadows in Boulder, CO. Gene is survived by his wife Gerri, his daughter Janice Marie (Tony) Sauer, son Ron (Teri) Thomas, seven grandchildren, Ron (Jessie) Sauer, Richard Sauer, Ron Jr. (Megan) Thomas, Ben Thomas, Madisen Thomas, Tessa Thomas, Ethan Thomas and one great grandchild, McKenzie Kay Sauer. He is also survived by sister-in-law Janice Thomas, nephew Larry Thomas, niece Gloria Thomas, and two great nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elie Edgar and Bernice Marie Thomas, and his brother Kenneth Edgar Thomas.