Nathan Thomas

Nathan "Nate" Thomas was born October 16, 1939, in Raceland, Louisiana, to Nathaniel and Earline Hills Thomas. He was the fourth son of 14 children. In 1947 the family relocated to New Orleans. As a young boy, Nate enjoyed fishing and hunting with his father and brothers and working odd jobs to help support the growing family. Nate attended Joseph L. Clark Senior High School where he graduated in 1957. Following graduation, Nate enlisted in the U. S. Army for two years. He was a member of his unit's basketball team and was honorably discharged in 1960. After returning home to New Orleans, he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force, which began his journey on a 20-year career. During his 22-year military service career, Nate rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served his country in Europe including Belgium, France, Germany, and England. Additionally, he served in Okinawa, Japan and Viet Nam. He was subsequently assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, in California. In 1969, while on a visit to Long Beach, Nate met Ianthe "Yante" Gumbs, an attractive single mother of five, who was a neighbor of Nate's brother, Wilson Thomas, and his family. Many visits followed and Nate and Yante were married on July 23, 1970. Nate was an outgoing and gregarious man. He made friends easily and always enjoyed a good party. Yante's personality was similar so the two of them were compatible and well suited for each other. Together they had a large, loving, and lasting group of friends. In 1972, Nate was transferred to Offutt Air Force Base, in Omaha, Nebraska where his assignments were Telecommunications Specialist and eventually Telecommunications Operations Supervisor. He retired from the military on March 31, 1978. Nate was a proud veteran who often sported his U. S. Airforce and Viet Nam Veterans caps. After retiring from the Air Force, Nate and Yante relocated to Denver, Colorado. Nate was employed at Stapleton Airport in the heavy equipment maintenance department. He took night classes and earned an Associate's Degree in Automotive Mechanics. Subsequently, Stapleton was shut down and replaced with Denver International Airport, so Nate continued his career at the new facility. His primary responsibilities were to service, maintain and repair heavy equipment operations vehicles necessary to keep the airport operating safely and smoothly, especially during the heavy winter snowstorms that Colorado is known for. Nate loved sports, especially football. He really enjoyed betting against the Denver Broncos no matter who they played. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, and going to the dog races. When the grandsons, who were frequent visitors during the summer months, were there, he enjoyed spending time with them. They would have parties with the neighbors' children, visit amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, and, yes, on occasion, the dog races. The boys could all recite Grandpa's most import house rule: "You cannot go behind the bar until you're 21!" Nate retired from the airport in 2000. He kept himself busy helping his friends and neighbors with various projects. He and Yante maintained an active social life. They made frequent trips to California to visit family before deciding to relocate here in 2010. They settled into their new retirement community in Riverside, quickly made new friends, and reconnected with old ones. Nate's health began to decline a few years ago. He finally succumbed to his illness on April 30, 2021. Nate was preceded in death by his parents: Nathaniel and Earline Thomas; siblings: LeRoy, Wilson, Nelton, Russell, Lionel, Nathaniel Jr., Herbert, and Sidney Thomas, as well as, stepdaughter, Alexis Newjahr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Yante; siblings: Bernice (Thomas) Hayes, Eugene, Earl, and Joey Michael Thomas. Children and stepchildren: Nathalie Thomas, Wilton Donadelle, Tanis Nelson, Desiree Neal and Linda Smith. Twelve grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, a host of nephews and nieces, and many, many friends. Visitation Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 5/26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 5/26, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Private