Lucille Marie Lopez Thomas, 89, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Friday, October 9,

2026, after a short battle with cancer.

Lucille was born July 22, 1937, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to Francisco Lopez and Natividad

(Nettie) Dominguez Lopez. The family moved to California when Lucille was six, where she

lived until moving to Texas in 1968.

For much of her adult life, Lucille was a stay-at-home mom. After her move to Texas, she began

working as a cook at a local Dairy Queen, where she was quickly promoted to manager. She

managed several different Dairy Queens throughout Texarkana, Texas, then worked as manager

of the Rawleighburger in Nash, Texas. She also managed the Road Runner on Four States Fair

Parkway in Texarkana, Arkansas.

For many years, Lucille was an avid bowler. She also loved reading, doing Sudoku and word

search puzzles, and playing cards.

Most of all, Lucille loved her family, which at the time of her passing was five generations

strong.

Lucille was preceded in death by her father, her mother, and one great-great-grandchild.

Lucille is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Paul Thomas; her daughters Tina Shelby

and Tami Hayes; her sons Robert Bunger (Donna) and Frank Bunger (Terri); special niece Susie

Goins; her brother Frank Lopez (Pat); her sisters Kathy Sprau, Carolyn Ross (John), and Filis

Hyland (Danny); 14 biological grandchildren and one “adopted” grandson; 29 great-

grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; three

brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law; and a great many friends.

A celebration of Lucille’s life will be held Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist

Church of Wake Village, 820 Wake Ave., Wake Village, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the charity of

your choice in Lucille’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Tri-State Cremation & Funeral Services.

Lucille Thomas