Robert W. Thomas
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother
Robert “Bob” W. Thomas, 81, of Gates, N.Y., went peacefully to his Lord Wednesday, October 2, 2013.
He was born December 5, 1931, in Canton, a son of the late Perle and Susan Thomas and stepson of the late Grant Rockwell.
Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Dolores M. Thomas; a son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Sherry Thomas; and four grandchildren, Ryan, Craig, Connor Robert and Jessica Thomas. Rob or Tom, as he was fondly called by his family, is also survived by sisters, Margaret Fisher and Catherine Rinker; a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Ginny Thomas; brothers-in-law, Charlie Buckholtz and Robert (Sonny) Cherokee; a sister-in-law, Aggie Cherokee; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, deceased are a brother, Paul Thomas; and sisters, Helen Harding and Ethel Buckholtz, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Mr. Thomas retired in 1986 from Eastman Kodak, where he was employed as a machinist.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, proudly having served his country during the Korean War.
Mr. Thomas loved to hunt and fish and was an excellent outdoorsman. In 1965, he was New York state archery champion.
He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with his family and friends. But, most of all, he was a truly fantastic husband, father and grandfather.
His family cherished the time that was spent together and take comfort in knowing he is at peace in the presence of his Lord and that one day the family will be with him again for eternity.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, (Rt.50) Cecil, where prayers of transfer will be said at 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 2, followed by a Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Cecil. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, with full military honors accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars 191 and American Legion Post 902 Honor Guard. Please add or view tributes at www.beanandsonsfuneralhome.com and www.coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.