Bobby was born July 10, 1932, in Dallas, to Howard L. and Ruby Irene Thomas. He was an only child.

Bob met Sue in Dallas when she was attending church services at East Dallas Christian Church. They married March 1, 1953. Utterly devoted to the Lord and each other, they raised three sons in a strong, Christian-based home. The love and bond of the family were first and foremost to the family unit. The family has long-standing traditions of gathering and staying close to one another. Before Sue’s passing, they were both active members of Cedar Valley Baptist Church in Elgin.

Bob was a talented wood carver, landscape architect and home builder. He made numerous original art pieces that he gave to his sons and grandchildren throughout his life. Working in the yard was part of his passion and he spent long hours caring for his plants, trees and the grounds in his home. The grandchildren have fond memories of riding the lawnmower with “PiPi.”

He was preceded in death by his spouse of 64 years, Virginia Sue Thomas, who passed away April 10, 2017; and his great-granddaughter Delilah Ann Thomas.

He is survived by his three sons, Michael L. Thomas and wife Celina Estrada Thomas, of Hutto, Patrick L. Thomas and wife Betsy Thomas of Richmond, and Scott L. Thomas and wife Sheila Thomas of Austin; five grandchildren, Michele L. Forrest and husband Robert, Matthew L. Thomas and wife Kelsie, Amanda L. Cribbs and husband Kyle, Paige Thomas and fiancée Alex and Parker L. Thomas and wife Heather; and seven great-grandchildren, Cade Thomas, Makenna Leigh Forrest, Max Jude Leigh Ann Cribbs, twins, Rhett and Rhyder Thomas, and Baker Thomas.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Saturday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at Cedar Valley Baptist Church, 905 FM 969 in Elgin. Instead of flowers, the family asks for your support of Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr.’s work at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin. He led the care of Bob’s great-granddaughter, Leigh Ann. Those wishing to donate, visit the Dell Children’s Foundation website in support of the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. We also invite you to donate to the San Antonio Methodist Children’s Foundation, http://www. atsanantoniomethodistchildrensfoundation. org, where Rhett and Rhyder Thomas receive care.