Gene Ronald Thome, Jr.

Gene Thome was a gentle giant of the Bakersfield Sound and the owner of Bear Mountain Sports. Gene loved his family, fishing, hunting, shooting, magic and trumpet playing. He attended Arvin High School and he later became a CSUB Graduate before studying Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. He grew up working on the farms of Arvin and Lamont. He then managed potato sheds in Edison. Later, he managed Eastland Flying Service for many years. He owned Bear Mountain Sports for 32 years with the last 13 years with a full retail location. Gene was a man of many talents and had the most generous heart.Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Carolyn (Hallum) Thome. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Nicholson-Thome; sister, Marianna Thome Eastwood (David) of AZ; brother, Barry Thome (Shannon) of Bakersfield and numerous Hallum, Thome, Scarbrough, Eastland, Azevedo, Alexis, aunts, uncles and cousins.It would be his honor and the wishes of his family that all who knew him come out to celebrate his life at 10:00 am on Friday, June 2, 2017, at Valley Bible Church; followed by the graveside at Arvin Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow at the David Head Center in Lamont. Buck Owens Crystal Palace is also hosting a Music Celebration on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.