Robert Earl Thomas 76, of Butler,
Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 15, 2023, with his loved
ones by his side. Cremation, with private family services at a later date.
Inurnment with military honors will take place in Rosehill Cemetery in Lisbon,
Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler
(660-679-0009). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
charity of the donor’s choice. Messages of condolence may be left for the
family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Robert “Bob”
Earl Thomas was born on October 6, 1947 in Boonville, Missouri. He was the son
of Lester Lea and Leona Ailene (Buehler) Thomas. Mr. Thomas served in the
United States Army, 121st St. Signal Battalion attached to the First Infantry
Division. He was stationed in Vietnam from February 1968 to February 1969.
Bob worked
for George Ross of Vit-A-Zine for many years until he got his truck driving
calling in 1988 and drove for 20 years. He had a love of classic cars, truck
and tractor pulls, and country music, especially Willie’s Roadhouse and Lori
Morgan. A fun weekend to Bob was a car show, a tractor pull and good ‘ol
country music. He enjoyed watching the Chiefs and the Missouri Tigers play
ball. Bob would make a bet with anyone on who was going to win. He always loved
when the grandkids came to visit, there was a lot of love and laughter. He was
united in marriage to Debra Sue Pollard on December 16, 2002.
Bob was
preceded in death by his parents, sisters Cathy Reyes, Carolyn Thomas, and
Janet Payne, great-grandson Wesley Rae Henry, and lifetime friend and former
wife Carol Sue Thomas.
He is
survived by his wife Debra Thomas, sister Mary Lee Haworth of Tucson, AZ, his
three daughters Tammy, Rhonda, and Karen, grandchildren Cody, Courtney,
Kristen, Maggie, Jazmin, Jamar, and Jaylah, great-grandchildren Courtlynn,
Cannon, Elsie, Cora, and Brayden, step-children Rachel, Samantha, and George,
step-grandchildren Chloe, Emmit, Elliot, and Illea, along with many nephews,
nieces, friends, and extended family members.