Robert Lee Thomas Sr., 80, of Allegan passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born July 3, 1938, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Earl and Leva (Frederick) Thomas and was the husband of Christine (Markoski) Thomas.
Mr. Thomas joined the United States Marine Corps in 1955. He was honorably discharged in 1961, as a Lance Corporal.
Mr. Thomas had worked for various companies and in many capacities including at Brunswick, TruHeat, ElectroHeat, Rockwell, Thomas Associates and Haworth. His greatest joy; however, came from his work as Chaplain at the Allegan County Jail where he was often lovingly referred to as “Chap.”
Mr. Thomas was a member of Monterey Center United Methodist Church where he had served as President of the Advisory Board and was instrumental in beginning the adult Sunday school class, which he oversaw for 27 years. He had also served as President of the Allegan JayCees.
In his spare time, Mr. Thomas enjoyed spending time on his computer.
In addition to his wife Christine of 25 years, he is survived by his children, Robert Lee (Christina) Thomas Jr., Brenda (Curtis) Andrews, Michelle Thomas (Donna), Brad (Monique) Brenner and Brenda Brenner (Talia Capelj); siblings, James (Phyllis) Thomas, Earleen (John) Barber and Lyle (Mona) Thomas; grandchildren, Jack Lautenschleger, Amber VanHouten, Sarah Lautenschleger, Shay Thomas, Kaden Thomas, Elise Mack, Rebecca Mack, Jenna Brenner, Taylor Brenner and Brittany Coburn; great-grandchildren, Zack, Emma, Lexie, Logan, Mason, Ethan, Ariana-Janaea, Kenna, Voltar, Shay Jr., Mila and Rylee; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Caryal (Gains) Thomas; son Jimmy Thomas; and his brother Charles William Thomas.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A funeral service will take place Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with visitation one-hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Poplar Hill Cemetery with military honors by the United States Marine Corps and the Otsego VFW Post 3030.
Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.
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