Gene L. Thomas, age 82, a long-time resident of Lisle and Downers Grove, IL, died Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at Johnson Health Care Center in Carol Stream, IL. He was born February 10, 1930 in Chicago, IL.

Gene had fond memories of serving as a Military Police Officer in the Army in Europe. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Northern Illinois University and his Master of Arts degree from DePaul University. Gene became a history teacher at Lindbloom High School in Chicago, and then a counselor and assistant principal at the same school. He ended his career as a teacher counselor for the board of education in the Chicago Public Schools. Throughout his life he was an avid reader and always kept up with current events. Although he never married, Gene cared very much about his family. He cared for his mother until her death, and he was always helpful to his brothers and sister, especially when they needed him. He loved to tell stories of his life experiences to his nieces and nephews, and they loved to hear about them.

He is survived by his sister, Elsie Thomas of Brookfield, IL; his sister-in-law, Marcella; twelve nieces and nephews, Robert (Sandy), Donald, Jack, Karen (Ron) Schwieters, William (Cathy), Larry (Dorice), Nancy, Carol (Tom) Teschner, Verne, Kenneth (Carolyn) York, Cary Yauk, and Janet Szuta; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Anita, nee Hansen; his brothers, Arnold, William, Edward, and Ervin; his nephews, Arnie, and Curtis Yauk; and his favorite dog, Maximillian Redchief III.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. Interment will follow at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery in Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.