Roy Gene Thomas

Roy Gene Thomas of Newcastle stepped into Glory on July 31, 2021 at the age of 85. He was born on January 9, 1936 to R.B. Thomas and Mary E. Thomas (formerly Goode) in Eagleton, Arkansas. When Roy was five years-old, his family moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma City, where he grew up along with his sister Margaret. Mr. Thomas attended Central High School in Oklahoma City, graduating with the class of 1954. That same year, Roy married the love of his life, Della Argustia Smith (Gussie). Together they raised four children, Ricky, Bobby, Crystal, and Steven. In 1966, Roy and Della moved to Newcastle, Oklahoma where they made their home.

The story of Roy and Della’s wedding day is just as spontaneous and funny as he was. On October 9, 1954, Roy and Della were putting a fresh coat of paint on his mom and dad’s house. In the middle of painting, Roy lowered his paint brush, looked at Della and said suddenly, “You want to go get married? Right now?” Della happily agreed, and off they went to the McClain County Courthouse, where they found a judge to perform the ceremony that day. After the impromptu wedding, Roy and Della went right back to R.B. and Mary’s house to finish painting.

Everyone loved Roy, and he made new friends everywhere he went. He was friendly, happy, outgoing, and so, so funny. He adored his family and friends, and was always happiest when he was around those he loved. He even had silly catchphrases. His favorite was, “I love you big, and I love you a little, I love you like a little pickle!”

Roy liked being outside - he loved to fish, and he loved to camp. Mr. Thomas was a Carpenter by trade, and for a time, worked with his two sons Bobby and Steve. Roy loved the extra time he got to spend working alongside his boys.

Roy was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Mary and R.B. Thomas, his sister, Margaret Becknell, his beloved wife, Della, his son, Bobby, and one granddaughter, McKayla Grace Bordwine.

He is survived by his son, Rick Thomas of Newcastle; daughter-in-law Debra Thomas of Blanchard; his daughter, Crystal and husband Mike Bordwine of Newcastle; son Steven and girlfriend Darla Webster of Newcastle; as well as 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Thomas will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway Avenue in Moore, Oklahoma.

A graveside service for Roy will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 5 at the Blanchard Cemetery, in Blanchard, Oklahoma.

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