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Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Robert Thomas Obituary

After a long and courageous battle with lung cancer, Bob Thomas passed away just after 4:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, November 19, 2013 at the home he loved so much. In the days before his death he was visited by many of his dearest friends and loved ones which was a true comfort to him and his family. Bob lived a colorful life and was a true original. He had many friends, was a great cook and a story-teller extraordinaire. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather who lived his 87 years to the fullest. He will be missed! Bob was born in Bluff Springs, Florida in 1926. At the age of 16 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard to help support his siblings and recently widowed mother. He served in WWII on Jekyll Island, GA with the Mounted Beach Patrol among other assignments. After the war he joined the Naval Reserve and was activated again during the Korean War. He served on board the USS Arnold J. Isbell where he most certainly did NOT remove a ham from the refrigeration room (one of his favorite stories to tell)! Following his military service, Bob moved to Baton Rouge where he ultimately joined the workforce at Kaiser Aluminum working there for 36 ½ years as a control room operator. Bob's "early" retirement in 1983 gave him plenty of time to pursue the activities he loved the most - fishing, camping and travelling with his wife Shirley, cooking jambalaya and gumbo, and most of all - gardening. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Visiting on Friday, November 22, 2013 will be at Sherwood Baptist Church, 1180 S. Flannery Rd., on the corner of Goodwood and Flannery from 1:00 p.m. until service at 2:00 p.m. conducted by Dr. David Womack. Burial will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Shirley Rockford, and his two daughters, Maria "Kitty" Thomas of Baton Rouge, LA and Terry Rogers of Lansing, KS. He is survived also by his son-in-law LTC(R) Everett B. Rogers, III and his five grandchildren: Darren Braud, Damon Wascom, Everett B. Rogers, IV, Anthony Rogers, and Andrew Rogers. He was preceded in death by his six siblings and his son, Robert E. "Bobby" Thomas, Jr. Pallbearers will be Everett Rogers, III, Everett Rogers, IV, Anthony Rogers, Andrew Rogers, Matt Burns, Shon Curry, Dennis Smith, and Pat Rockford. Bob was active in the Korean War Veterans Assoc. serving as president of Chapter 230 for three years. He proudly participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with other WWII veterans and enjoyed several reunions of the crew of the USS Arnold J. Isbell. He loved his church, Sherwood Baptist, and served as Chairman of the Ushers and Adult III Sunday School Director for many years. For their tremendous love and support, Shirley, Terry, and Kitty would like to sincerely thank Matt Burns and family whom we love like family, Shon and Hiawatha Curry, Yolanda Thierry, our many friends at Sherwood Baptist Church, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Healing Place Church, St. Joseph Hospice and our many friends and neighbors who have been such a comfort to us. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity, church, or hospital of your choice. Please visit www.resthavenbatonrouge.com to sign the guestbook.

Published by The Advocate from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Prayers for the family of Robert Thomas

Ginger G Roussel

November 14, 2022

Shirley, I only retired this year and had time to look up some old friends. I was so sad to learn of Bob's passing and tried to call you, but your number is changed. I hope you are OK and living close to your daughter now. We are considering moving ourselves. Send me an email if you do receive this.
Again, our sympathy for your loss.

Sheila Roberts (Lamon)

Friend

August 19, 2016

Hi Aunt Shirley and Terry,
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. He was always so fun to be around! Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Sharon, Mo, Spencer and Allie

November 24, 2013

Kitty, Darren, Damon and Family,
With deepest sympathy in your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Ginger Roussel

November 22, 2013

Aunt Shirley and Terry,
I was so sad to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. He was a very unique uncle and will be missed. We send our thoughts and prayers to you. Love, Kim Versen Everhart and Family

November 21, 2013

Kitty and family. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know how hard it is to heal from the death of such a loving and caring person. I will keep you and your family in my prayers that God will give you strength each day to help ease the pain

Donna O Carmena

November 20, 2013

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Memorial Events
for Robert Thomas

Nov

21

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Nov

22

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sherwood Baptist Church

1180 S. Flannery Rd., LA

Nov

22

Service

2:00 p.m.

Sherwood Baptist Church

1180 S. Flannery Rd., LA

Nov

22

Burial

Resthaven Gardens of Memory

LA

Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

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