BALD KNOB — Gary Lynn Thomason
was born on October 23, 1952 son of A.D. Thomason and Beryldean Merritt Thomason of Bald Knob, Ark. Gary was a cancer survivor for 13 years until cancer returned once again and was diagnosed in February, 2020. Gary passed away at home on April 28, 2020.
Surviving Gary is his wife, Patricia Alane Schmidt Thomason of Judsonia, Ark.; three sons, Shannon Thomason, Daniel
Thomason and Aaron Thomason along with grandchildren, Tayler Thomason, Harley Thomason, Maura Thomason, Calder Thomason, Seth Thomason, Finn Thomason, Hattie Thomason and Ryker Thomason, all of Arkansas.
Gary Thomason was a husband, father and grandfather, affectionately known as “Poppy”. His grandchildren were the joys in his life and they loved to simply be near him, sitting on the arm of his chair and just keeping his company. Gary was a member of Local 150 Operating Engineers for over 45 years and worked in the pipeline industry across most of the United States and many countries around the world. In the early years he worked on the Alaska pipeline and the most recent years as an inspector over pipeline construction. He loved his work on the pipeline, He loved to travel and experience new places. Gary was exceptional at his craft and taught many others along his way. Gary was a fearless, Giving and a loving man of many skills. As a boy he learned to become a very good cook from his Aunt Vida, fish and hunt from his Dad and when he grew older he learned to build Houses with his Uncle Mervel. He was a good provider for his family and could fix almost anything. When Gary was old enough in his teens he went to work on the pipeline with his Dad, A.D. Thomason and learned to operate heavy equipment, Bore Roads, Tie In and Lower In pipe. Gary worked in many countries in his lifetime including: Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Trinidad, Cote D’ Ivoire, Chad, Cameroon, Algeria, Nigeria, Thailand, Iraq and Tbilisi, Georgia.
Gary made many friends around the world in his travels and he will surely be missed but not forgotten. Visitation will be at Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob on Friday, May 1, 2020 from 1–2 p.m followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.