Obituary of Robert R. Thomas

Robert R. Thomas, 86, of 22524 Chestnut St. Centerville, passed away Monday evening May 26, 2014 at the Crawford County Care Center. Robert was born on October 9, 1927 in Titusville, a son of the late Ira and Zelma Abrams Thomas. He was married to Ruth Schafer on Dec. 4, 1948 at Bremerhaven, Germany. He was a graduate of Sunville High School, class of 1944. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Army. He entered the service on Jan. 31, 1946 at Pittsburgh, PA. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 5, 1949 at Camp Kilmer, NJ with the rank of corporal. Robert had been employed at the former Cyclops Specialty Steel Corp. in Titusville for 38 years until his retirement in 1989. He had previously been employed at Franklin Steel, and had driven truck and dozer for Gerald and Wayne Thomas. Robert was a life member of the American Legion Post 237 and VFW Post 6773, both in Union City. He was a member of the Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Cyclops Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR and boxing, and listening to country music. He was also a member of several bowling leagues. Robert is survived by his wife of Centerville; two sons, Norman Thomas and wife Gina of Centerville and Robbie Thomas and wife Shelly of Union City; three daughters, Fran Whitehill and husband Duane, Zelma McMahon and husband Jack, all of Titusville, and Rita Bennett and husband Jeff of Union City; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 5 step great grandchildren; 3 step great great grandchildren; and was looking forward to seeing his great great grandson to be born this July. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, John “Rambo” Deeter; a granddaughter, Damaris Tartara; and three brothers, Clarence, Herbert and Edward Thomas. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM and attend the funeral service there on Friday at 11:00 AM with Fr. Tom Suppa, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima at Canadohta Lake, officiating. Interment will be in Tryonville Cemetery with full military honors conducted by officers and members of the American Legion Post 237 and VFW Post 6773. The family asks that memorials be made to the Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Dept and Ambulance Service or to Our Lady of Fatima Church at Canadohta Lake.