Eugene Happy Thomas was a well-known 74-year-old proprietor of Happy’s Chili Parlor in Paducah, Kentucky. On the evening of October 27, 1998, he was found outside his home at 1141 Martin Luther King Drive with a gunshot wound and taken to Western Baptist Hospital. He survived for several weeks but died from his injuries on January 11, 1999.

Despite an immediate investigation, no suspects were publicly identified and no arrests were announced. The case grew cold but remains open, and detectives periodically review it. The motive and identity of the shooter remain unknown.

If anyone knew Eugene, saw activity near North 12th Street or 1141 Martin Luther King Drive in late October 1998, or has information that could help, please contact the Paducah Police Department.