February 10, 1961 - October 12, 2018

Gary Lavare Thomas was born February 10, 1961 in Summit, Oklahoma to the late Clarence Weldon and Bessie Berniece Thomas. He was the 12th child born to his mother, who passed away before he was 2 years old. His father and sibling were devoted to raising him. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Summit.

Gary grew up in Summit, Oklahoma. He attended DuBois Grade School and Alice Robertson Junior High School. He was on the basketball team at both schools and enjoyed playing with his friends: Alfred, Sam and Sweet Papa. Many expressed how good he was at basketball which he attributed to the coaching of Howard Abnerathy.

After Junior High he attended Muskogee High School Class of 1979 where he matriculated well to become a good student and a good kid which was said about him. Then, he suffered a great loss; his father passed away. Having a loving sister, Cora Belle committed to completing his rearing. He graduated from Muskogee High School in 1979 and entered Langston University.

Langston University became a cornerstone for Gary’s adult life. He made friends easily. There he met, Frank, Mississippi, Chicago, Harlan Ballad and Michael Brackeen, his home boys were also there. He introduced Frank to his cousin Valerie; they married, and are still together today. He was affectionally known as “G.T.” Gary was so devoted to Langston University that he attended many homecomings, faithfully.

After Langston, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where his sister Debra lived. He became a professional truck driver and was proud of his CDL status. He enjoyed entertaining his friends. He also enjoyed cooking, playing dominos and listening to music. In addition, he enjoyed betting on the NFL games; his favorite team was The Philadelphia Eagles.

During his middle-aged years, he retired and moved back home to Muskogee, Oklahoma where he enjoyed family and friends. He had a special bond with his siblings, nieces and nephews.

Gary began to decline slowly losing his grip on life. His humanity left him in a cloud of dust. He became someone else, but those of us who knew him, loved him anyway. In recent days there was a change in his thinking.  He mentioned love and forgiveness.  At the time of his passing, he was attending St. Mark Baptist Church.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. He leaves to cherish his memories his siblings: Dr. Wilbur G. Thomas, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Philemon M. Thomas (Rebecca) Muskogee, Oklahoma, Betty L Gibson, Long Island, New York, Lurlene McDaniel (Earnest) Duluth, Georgia, Betsy Oakley, Muskogee, Oklahoma and Debra Fields (Ronald) Garland, Texas and many relatives and friends.
A Home Going Service is scheduled Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 11:00 a.m., Precious Memories Chapel at House of Winn Funeral Home, 2200 Military Blvd., Muskogee, OK; with Interment to follow in New Hope Cemetery, Oktaha, OK.

Visitation will be Monday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.