Robert Lee Thomas

Robert Lee Thomas: Born on July 20, 1928, in Mound City, Kansas to Bayard Alanson and Alice (Livingston) Thomas. A Korean War Veteran, serving in the Navy from 1948 to 1952. He received training and served as an electronics technician on-board the USS Helena – a heavy cruiser. He married Delores LaVerne Ferguson on April 5, 1953. He retired from Applied Automation (Phillips Petroleum Company) in 1985, after 29 years of service. At Phillips, he started in R&D as an electronics technician and retired after serving as the Chromatograph Manufacturing Manager at Applied Automation for 20 years, running an operation of 45 employees and contractors. After retirement, Bob and Delores traveled extensively, until Delores became ill. She preceded him in death on January 28, 2000. Bob and Delores made their church home at Tuxedo Assembly of God in Bartlesville since 1961. On January 23, 1971, Bob and his entire family accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior following the untimely passing of Delores’ father. Bob’s conversion was as dramatic as they get. He did a 180 degree turn from being the “cussing Sailor” to being the Jesus loving brother to everyone. He was a faithful tither and gave support to many missionary and boys home ministries. From 1971 to 2024, Bob faithfully served Tuxedo Church: 15 years as a Board Member, 25 years as an official greeter, and assisted Sunday School operations every Sunday morning. He was the “face” of Tuxedo Assembly. In his later years, during the pandemic, he continued his service – every week from the Tuxedo Parking lot - attending Parking Lot Church. He was faithful to the end. Bob’s passions were many…. Witnessing to friends and family members about the love of God and the terrors of Hell. Bob loved playing fast pitch Softball with his Phillips Team. One game he batted four times and hit four home runs!! When Bob, Jr. became old enough, Bob, Sr. was a renowned grounds-keeper manager – facilitating the build of one new Little League baseball diamond per year for three years. Then he became “Coach Bob” and coached the boys in Baseball from Little League to Pony League to Colt League Baseball. He and Delores were Co-Chairpersons of the American Legion Baseball Concessions for two years – while Mike played Legion ball. Whether it was a boxing champ in high school, playing softball as a young adult, or coaching little leaguers, he was a consummate competitor and passionate athlete and player of life. During their formative years, the family spent time together – spending at least 2 weeks each year at the lake – water skiing and fishing. Bob was an excellent water skier and learned how to ski backwards after having received a pair of trick skis for his birthday. They traveled and spent time together as a family. During all this time, he and a working compadre from Phillips, Louie Kuntz, started and built a very successful business designing, building and installing oil and gas prover systems. This side business became the funding channel to send all three children to college – where they earned degrees. He leaves behind 3 children: Bob, Jr. (wife Janis), Karen Thomas Amer (Husband RC), and Michael Thomas (wife Velia); Also 8 Wonderful Grand Children: Amanda Thomas McKinney (Justin); Heather Amer Forsee (Phil); Hona Amer; Adrienne Thomas Scott (Michael); Nate Thomas (Elena); Isabella Thomas; Victoria Thomas; Rebekah Thomas; And 5 Cherished Great Grandchildren: Robert Walker McKinney; Davis Thomas McKinney; Lylah Thomas; Ivy Scott; Raven Scott; And Special Friend – Martha Burruss. In lieu of flowers, Bob’s requested that you please send a donation to Tuxedo Assembly of God Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma - in care of Ms. Melinda Stitt. The Funds will go into designated evangelistic ministries supported by his church. The family has lost our patriarch and our “Rock” (from the Bible). We have feelings of great loss but know that Jesus has taken home a faith-filled and passionate servant leader. He has certainly heard his Savior say: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness” - Matthew 25:23 (NIV). Bob’s family will receive friends on Friday, July 19th from 6-8 p.m., at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Visitation will also be held on Friday from 10-8. Bob Thomas passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024 – One week from his 96th birthday. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 (his birthday) at Tuxedo Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Robert Lee Thomas

July 20, 1928 - July 13, 2024