Robert "Bob" Thomas, 81, of Paola, KS, formerly of Olathe, KS, passed peacefully on December 30, 2024, at home surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held on April 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Paola Senior Center, 121 W Wea St, Paola,KS.

Bob was born March 5, 1943, in Anthony, KS to Melvin & Alene (McDaniel) Thomas. He was raised in Harper, KS where he graduated in 1961 where he excelled in sports, especially football. He attended Hutchinson Community College on a football scholarship.

In 1962 he married Marcia Burke in Danville, KS at the Immaculate Conception Church He worked as Store Manager for Goodyear in Winfield, KS and in 1968 was transferred to Olathe. In 1970 went to work for Dean Machinery, who at the time was the Caterpillar dealer in Kansas City, He remained at Dean for 38 years as finance manager, retiring in2008.

Bob is survived by his two sons, Perry Thomas of Lansing, KS and Eric Thomas(Christy) of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Kelcie (Ricky) Tynes,La Cygnes, KS, Austin (Libby) Thomas, Gladstone, MO, Megan Thomas, La Cygnes,KS, Celeste (Jonny) Shideler, Jacob (Heyley) Thomas, Isabelle Thomas, Griffin Thomas and Harrison Thomas, all of Wichita. 10 great-grandchildren and 2 bonus greats.

In 1993 Bob married Kim. Of this marriage 3 children joined his family. These bonuschildren include Rob (Dawn) Wing, Shawnee, KS, Channon (Johnny) McCombs,Overland Park, KS, and Elizabeth (Matt) Makowski, Olathe, KS. Six more grandchildrenwere also added. Jeff (Rylee) Wing, Kansas City, KS, Kian Wing, Shawnee, KS, Halie(Brandon) Harvey, Spring Hill, KS, Myndie (Nathan) Olson, Spring Hill, KS, Porscha Stoker, Gardner, KS and Rhys Makowski, Olathe, KS along with 4 great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, and golf but was most proud of his boys and their interests. Building sets for high school plays and coaching baseball and football.

The grandchildren sporting activities were one of his favorites. Watching many games of softball, soccer, basketball, football and volleyball. Throw in a bunch of school plays and singing performances and he was a happy man.

As he grew older, he also added activities. Golfing even more, bowling and karaoke. Any lake was where he was truly at home.

In 2008 Bob and Kim moved to Paola, KS where he was active in the Senior Center, spending much of his time in his special chair. He also enjoyed Friday night dinners with his friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Melvin and Alene, brothers Gary and Jack Thomas and great-granddaughter Aspyn Tynes.