Jerry Wayne Thomas, 75, died July 9, 2009, at his home in Vero Beach, FL.
He lived in Poteau for 24 years before retiring to Vero Beach, FL in 1993.
Jerry was a member of the First Christian Church in North Long Beach, CA. He graduated from Jordan High School and played college basketball at Long Beach City College. He was very active in youth sports, serving as a volunteer coach in football, basketball, baseball, and softball for over 30 years. Jerry was instrumental in getting fast pitch softball started as a competitive sport at Poteau High School and was a big supporter of the Pirates and Lady Pirates. While living in Vero Beach, FL, he volunteered in the youth golf program. Jerry enjoyed playing basketball, softball, golfing, and fishing.
Jerry worked for 17 years in Downey, CA, as a missile tester for Aero Jet General before moving to the Poteau area to own a cattle ranch.
He was preceded in death by his father Glenn F. Thomas, mother Edna Thomas Marty, sister Marjorie Romine, and brother Bill Thomas.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jackie, sons Mike Thomas of Poteau and Rick Thomas of San Francisco, daughters Laura Rogers of Tahlequah and Linda Winkel of Vero Beach, grandchildren Doug Thomas and Kim Thomas Garrett of Tahlequah, Matt Thomas of Poteau, Craig Rogers of Tulsa, Julie Rogers Barney of McAlester, and Brittany Winkel of Vero Beach, great-grandchildren Addison and Bryant Thomas of Poteau.
Grace Manor Funeral Home, Poteau, will conduct a graveside memorial service at Monroe Cemetery Saturday at 10:00 AM. The family would like to extend an invitation to friends to drop by their home at 34182 Country Club Lane on Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM for a celebration of Jerry’s life.
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