Gary Lee Thomas

Gary Lee Thomas, passed away, peacefully on December 5, 2020 at Flower Hospital. Born September 7, 1943, Gary was raised in Oakwood, Ohio where he was a star athlete at Oakwood High School and continued on to play basketball at Defiance College; he then transferred to the University of Toledo and became a brother in the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (TKE). Gary married his wife, Mary Jo, on October 5, 1964. After taking a job at General Mills; Gary went on to accept a job with the Toledo Police Department. He would spend the next 32 years on TPD retiring in 1997. Along with TPD, he worked security for Washington Local Schools. Once he retired from TPD he then oversaw Night Security for WLS, another career lasting well over 30 years. With a fierce love of all thing’s sports related he participated in the Police Olympics, as well as a member of the TPD softball and basketball teams. He had a very special fondness for fishing, biking and golf. He loved the Toledo Rockets and cheered them on however he could, including holding season tickets to both men and women’s basketball. In addition to loving the Rockets, he also was a Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State Buckeyes, Whitmer Panthers and Central Catholic Fighting Irish fan. Gary’s favorite sports to watch were those where his children or grandchildren were playing. Whether it be football, soccer, dance, baseball, volleyball, crew or marching band you would always find him there to cheer everyone on. Gary and his wife Mary Jo would often attend games despite knowing no one on the team. He loved to travel and had a dream to rent an RV and travel the US. Most Thomas Family vacations involved camping and always a “Lubner Adventure”. There were so many adventures that his grandchildren made up the “Lubner Adventure” song and have many fond memories of “Lubner Adventures” in the Paw-Paw van. More than anything though, Gary loved family. His wife, children, grandchildren and extended family meant everything to him. Not only could family count on him but his friends became family too. Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, of 56 years, children Greg (Carol) and Patti Bell (Jon), the grandchildren he loved so dearly Collin Bell (Megan), Conor Thomas, Gretchen Thomas and Caitlin Bell and his beloved dog Buffy. As well as sister and brothers in law and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother Dorothy Thomas, father Karl Conkright, his beloved Auntie Gladys Schmitt in addition to Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. Due to COVID-19, there will be no visitation. A memorial mass will be held on January 2 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church. Masks are required. Gary will be entombed at Resurrection Cemetery; immediate family only. Arrangements are being handled by Ansberg West Funeral Home; please leave a thought or story about Gary there. Any memorial contributions can be made to Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association, Alzheimer Association, Central Catholic High School, or a diabetes foundation of your choice. The family would like to send a special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the 4th floor ICU staff at Flower Hospital.

Gary Lee Thomas

September 7, 1943 - December 5, 2020