Gary L. Thomas

Gary L. Thomas, 75, of Columbia, Maryland, passed from this life on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Howard County General in Columbia, MD.

Born on December 23, 1947, in Frederick, MD, he was the son of the late Earl Benson Thomas and Gloria Grace (Shepley) Thomas.

Gary deeply valued education and considered himself to be a lifelong learner of a variety of subjects that excited and inspired him. He held an AA in History, a BA and MA in Philosophy, and an MS in Computer Science. He instilled such values in his children who loved the frequent conversations about history, philosophy, astronomy, and much more.

Beyond education, Gary worked for the State of Maryland as a social worker in the WIC program. He transitioned to a career with the Montgomery County Government, first as a budget analysis and later as a project manager with the County Council.

Gary loved to travel, garden, and had a passion for reading. He loved to grill and cook and to gather with his family. He cherished memories and pictures reflective of having embarked on lifelong dreams, including a trip to England to see Stonehenge and to Spain, adventures of which he shared with his daughter. Gary was also an avid collector of coins and stamps, a passion he shared with his son. He loved the home he built with his wife and simply being surrounded by the tapestry of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Thomas, son Justin Thomas and his family, and daughter Kaitlin Thomas and her family, all who loved Gary dearly.

Services will be private.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gary’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Howard Hospital Foundation.