John Eugene Thomas

John Eugene Thomas, 82, of Port Arthur, TX., passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013 at St. Mary Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. John was born on March 13, 1930 in Chaudrant, Louisiana to Ethalyne and Marvin Lee Thomas, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949. He then joined the U.S. Navy where he served in the Korean War. He was discharged in 1955. John started working at Gulf Oil Refinery in 1950 and retired in 1982 after 32 years of service. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Port Arthur. John was a volunteer at St. Mary Hospital for 27 years. He loved to square dance and was a member of the Swinging Squares. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend Phil Sigman officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday evening before the service from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Thomas, two sons, John Henry Thomas and wife, Cindy, Wayland Lee Thomas and fianc, Diana Glidewell, daughter, Kathryn Dugas and husband, Mark, ten grandchildren, Ashley Lynch, Mary Roach, Thomas Moses, Ricky Moses, Seth Bailey, Kaylynn Thomas, Brennah Thomas, John Jacob Thomas, Kenneth Thomas and Brittney Thomas, three great grandchildren, Kadin and Ethan Lynch, and Avery Bailey. A great friend and cousin, Edwin Holstead, Jr. and also a friend of many years, Alton Galentine. The family would like to thank St. Mary Hospital for the kindness and great care of our loved one.