Thomas Hastie Gause, 84, a lifelong resident of Stockton, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009.
He was Elder Emeritus of Stockton Presbyterian Church where he was a lifelong member and active elder for more than 30 years.
After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the 99th Infantry Division. He served in the European-African campaign and during the Battle of the Buldge. He also served in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign. He received numerous medals for his service including the Bronze Star with V device (for valor in combat), the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Belgian Fourragere.
He attended Augustana College in Moline, Ill., and graduated from Auburn University where he was a member of the Scabbard and Blade. After graduation he was commissioned as second lietenant in the U.S. Army. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of colonel.
He was logging manager for Bacon McMillan Veneer Mill in Stockton for 22 years until it closed in 1970. He made many trips to South America selecting and buying logs for the company.
After Bacon McMillan, he was employed at First National Bank of Mobile for 21 years. He retired as vice president of the Trust Department and director of Natural Resources.
He was a devoted family man and a contributor to his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation and was a charter member fo the Alabama Society of the Mayflower Descendants. He was a member of the Stockton Civic Club, the Stockton Coffee Club and the Stockton Country Club.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Georgia Thompson Gause; daughter, Georgene (Clint) Conner of Bay Minette; and one granddaughter, Georgia Ann Conner of Greenville, S.C.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 12 in the fellowship hall of Stockton Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Stockton Memorial Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Stockton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 438, Stockton, AL 36579.
Arrangements are by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
