Clear and Windy, 30° F
(Jan. 27, 1934 - Aug. 8, 2015)
Robert “Bob” Thomas died on Aug. 8, 2015, at his home in Powell, surrounded by his wife and family. The world has lost a truly great man who will be so missed by his family and friends.
Bob was born Jan. 27, 1934, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Albert and Bernice Rosenberg Thomas. He spent most of his life in Montana before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, he returned to Montana and went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad, a job he held for the next 38 years.
For nearly all his life, Bob rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and looked the part with his long beard and leathers. He was a life-long member of the VFW. Bob enjoyed his gardening and rock collection and was a member of the Shoshone Rock Club in Powell.
He also spoiled any cat that crossed his path, and there were many!
Bob is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda (Van Wagoner) Thomas; sons Keith (Julie) Thomas of Spring Creek, Nevada, and Michael (Gail) Thomas of Sydney, Montana; daughters Andrea (Brian) Jensen of Churchill, Montana, and Cheryl (Don) Woodland of Bozeman, Montana; two brothers Raymond (Marilyn) Ebert of Florence, Oregon, and Rudy (Linda) Ebert of Eugene, Oregon. His stepsons, Tom, Scott and Roger Sanford, had great love and respect for him, as did his mother-in-law, Betty Karlin. He also is survived by numerous grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Bob’s parents, a son, two brothers and granddaughter preceded him in death.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.
