Eugene "Gene" Thomas, 85, formerly of Blue Spruce Trailer Court, Sayre, died Thursday, July 1, 2004 in Sayre. Gene was born Nov. 8, 1918 in Ithaca, N.Y., to his parents Vern and Anna Crowley Thomas. He was a graduate of Ithaca High School. He was employed as a brakeman for the Lehigh Valley and Conrail railroads, retiring on Jan. 1, 1979 after 37 years of service. He was a life member of the United Transportation Union. He is survived by: sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Gail Thomas of Sayre, Robert and Josie Thomas of Sayre and Denny and Lura Thomas of Sayre; grandchildren, Nancy Barnett and husband Allan of Brigantine, N.J., Bobby Thomas of Brigantine and Kelly Thomas of Sayre; great-grandchildren, Shaina, Hayley and Aiden Barnett of Brigantine; stepgrandchildren, David and William Bryant of Largo, Fla.; sister, Theresa Armstrong of Newfield, N.Y.; nephews, Mark Armstrong of Lansing, N.Y., and Gary Armstrong of Newfield; and a special friend, Janice Witmer of Towanda. He was predeceased by: his parents; his wife, Brigetta Rindfliesh Thomas, in June of 1976; and a brother-in-law, Roger Armstrong. Friends and family are invited to call Friday, July 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the Blauvelt Funeral Home, 126 N. Elmer Ave., Sayre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 3 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, South Waverly, with the Rev. Vincent Langan officiating. Burial will be in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens. A biblical wake service will be held Friday evening at the funeral home. The family will provide flowers. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may kindly make them in Gene's name to the Sayre Elks Hoop Shoot, 117 S. Elmer Ave., Sayre, PA 18840; or the Black Diamond Club, 308 Olive St., Sayre, PA 18840.