Thomas Joseph Thomas,

Thomas "TOM" Thomas Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, age 63, of El Paso, TX, formerly of Gary, IN, passed away Sept. 20, 2010. An avid athlete, Tom played football in high school and at Ball State Univ., in Muncie, IN, from which he graduated in 1969. Later, he enjoyed many years as a cyclist, participating in BMX competitions and long-distance rides. He was a member of the Ft. Bliss gun club and president of the Rod and gun club. He had many interests, such as trap and skeet shooting, travelling in his motor home, and fishing in a Wisconsin lake where he spent many happy childhood summers. After working as a financial analyst for the Univ. of MI for several years, Tom then worked for Ford Motor Co. at various plants including Setubal, Portugal, retiring in El Paso, TX. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Carolyn (Shay), two children: Brad Thomas of Denver, CO. and Julie (Dennis Jr.) Young of El Paso, TX; Grandchildren: Jacob, Wesley, Lily, and Luke Thomas; Denay, Dennis III, and Derek Young, and many nieces and nephews. Tom is also survived by his sister Susan (John) Graun. His family includes many dear cousins, The Kleminski families in Wisconsin and Indiana and the Botkin families in Arizona. Preceding him in death were his parents Audrey and Tom Thomas, and his sister Martha Willich. He enjoyed spending time being "PAPA" to his grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held from 4-9 pm, Thursday, Sept. 23, at Sunset Funeral Home, 480 N. Resler. Funeral mass will be at 10 am Friday, Sept. 24, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Am. Heart Assoc. or The Animal Rescue League. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net