Robert "Bob" Henry Thomas

Robert Henry Thomas, 89 years old, three days short of his 90th Birthday, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 23, 2024.  Born on May 26, 1934, in Jackson, Michigan to Henry and Verna Thomas.  He died due to complications from angiosarcoma.  

Bob married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Stevens, on June 28, 1958 at St. John's Church in Jackson, Michigan.  She preceded him in death on January 28, 2022.  Their 63 years of marriage was filled with many laughs and adventures, including Sunday drives on local country roads followed by ice cream dates.

Bob is survived by his children, Arthur and Tammie Thomas, Theresa and Rick Zenz, and Mary and Brian Kelly.  He loved his children with his whole heart. He was blessed with six grandchildren; Melissa and Brian Canning, Bradley and Julia Zenz, Kellie and Luis Medina, Chris and Courtney Zenz, Nathan and Aura Lee Kelly, and Gretchen Kelly; as well as four great grandchildren, Remington and Riley Canning, and Emelina and Isaac Zenz.  

He is also survived by his brothers; Jim and Kathy Thomas, and Mike and Suellen Thomas; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and cousins whom he loved dearly.  

There are too many special friends and neighbors to list, however, know that he was grateful for all of you!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Harry and Jerry Thomas and his wife's siblings, Bob and Harriet Stevens, Kenny and Judy Stevens, Jeannine and Dick Cummings, and Betty Griswold.  Also preceding him were his nephew Bill Stevens and great niece, Erin Sullivan.

He was a proud Graduate of Jackson High School, class of 1953.

Bob joined the Navy after High School.  He served in the Navy from August 6, 1953 to August 9, 1957.  Bob was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict Era and served in the Mediterranean Sea.  His favorite port was Barcelona, Spain.  He has been a proud member of the American Legion Post 29 for many years and a member of the American Legion Ritual team, serving at countless funerals and developing lasting friendships.  We are grateful for the support the Legion members have provided Bob over the years.

After the Navy, he attended Jackson Business School, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business.  Bob worked as a stockroom manager at Kelsey Hayes for over 30 years.

He has been a member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church for over 60 years and was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Bob was a caretaker of everyone, always doing his best to help anyone close to him by helping them find jobs and making introductions.  He could be found in the neighborhood snow blowing his driveway as well as helping others clear theirs; mowing the lawn and inspecting others' work.  He loved his time traveling and enjoyed crewing a boat from Lake St. Clair to Port Huron in preparation for the Port Huron to Mackinaw race.  His summers were spent with his wife at the campground on Portage Lake.  He enjoyed sharing campfires with family and friends; camping, and celebrating important events with his children and grandchildren.  We could count on being offered a beer or pop upon entering the house.  For many years, Bob would help set up and take down the American Flags at St. John's Cemetery, as well as the wreaths for the Veterans.  Bob loved to hear stories from his family and friends.  Bob's sense of humor always lit up the room.  His wit was like no other, and his laugh was contagious.  We will miss sharing a beer and hearing his laughter.  He was an overall great man who would help others on a dime.  He cared for all of us and will be deeply missed by all.  Among his favorite sayings were "nothing you can do about it", as well as "be safe".  The family would like to thank the staff at Henry Ford Hospice for taking care of our wonderful Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.  

Visitation will be held at Watson Funeral Chapel - 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan 49203 on May 28, from 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m.  A rosary will be prayed at 7:30p.m.  

His Mass of Christian burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church - 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson, Michigan at 11:00a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, with Visitation from 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Father Timothy MacDonald and Father John Linden will be officiating.  Burial will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Jackson, Michigan following the Mass.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob can be made to Henry Ford Hospice or the American Legion Ritual Team - Post #29, Jackson, Michigan or a charity of your choice.

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