Gary B. Thomas, 81, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at The Meadows Assisted Living in Clarion. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Gary Bernard, son of Merrill and Bernice (Hasbrouck) Thomas, was born on March 18, 1942 in Clarion. Gary grew up in Clarion and graduated from Clarion High School in 1960. While in high school, Gary loved wrestling and went to state three years. After high school, Gary joined the US Army for two years. Gary returned from the Army and attended Eagle Grove Community College. In 1968, Gary was united in marriage to Mary "Cookie" Elkin. They made their home in Clarion where they raised their two sons, Bret and Tony. Gary started his working career in sales at Hagie's Manufacturing. He later worked at Wright County Implement and then went back to work at Hagie's until his retirement. Over the years, Gary loved going on fishing trips to Northern Minnesota with family and friends. He was a social butterfly and liked to be around people. Gary was a regular "early coffee clutch." Gary is survived by his sons Bret (Jan) Thomas and Tony (Tina) Thomas; grandsons; great-grandchildren; and sister Linda (Larry) Lyons. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Leslie Thomas.