Gilbert Lee Thomas

Gilbert Lee Thomas, 95, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Gil was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 29, 1929, to Wilbur and Nolia (Hale) Thomas. He was baptized at the Tabernacle Christian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Most of his education occurred in Lincoln, Nebraska, ending with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He later earned a master’s degree in business from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

From May 19, 1949, to June 30, 1953, he served in the United States Navy. After boot camp, he attended a 42-week Electronics Technician School and following graduation was assigned to the Electronics Repair Division on the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge, where he completed his tour of duty.

On December 24, 1959, he married Eileen Patmore at Grace United Methodist Church, Kokomo, Indiana. He retired from Delco Electronics Division of General Motors Corporation where he worked for 30 years in the Semiconductor Research and Engineering Department.

He was an 80-year member of the Boy Scouts of America. First as a Boy Scout, where he earned the rank of Eagle, and then as an adult volunteer, serving in many different positions. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Kokomo, Indiana, Faith United Methodist Church, Fort Myers, Florida, and First United Methodist Church, Bloomington, Indiana. He belonged to the North Star Masonic Lodge in Lincoln, Nebraska, The American Legion Post 18, Bloomington, Indiana, and the Advisory Board of Scouting America Hoosier Trails Council.

Gil is survived by his son, Michael L. (Leslie A.) Thomas, and his grandchildren, Sarah E. (Michael) Larson & Arden G. Thomas, all of Bloomington, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his son Steven Bradley Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at 1pm. Visitation will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Indiana, on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, from 11am to 1pm. Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Rd, Kokomo, In. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with burial.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, Kokomo, Indiana, or First United Methodist Church, Bloomington, Indiana, or to Scouting America Sagamore Council or Hoosier Trails Council.

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