Bob Thomas

(From Reece Funeral Home)

Robert Neil Thomas, 94, of Ottumwa, died March 29, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa.
He was born August 4, 1928 in Milford, MO to Elmer and Eva Boles Thomas. Bob married Kathryn Robeen August 4, 1956 in Kansas City, MO.

Growing up in Lamar, MO, Bob was a 1946 graduate of Lamar High School. He served in the US Army in Korea during the Korean War, and received 4 Bronze Stars, the Korean War Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Bob was a train engineer on the Milwaukee and Soo Line for 46 years, retiring from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1992.

He was a member of the East End Presbyterian Church in Ottumwa. Bob was an avid bowler and golfer and was a member of the senior golf league at Cedar Creek. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, word games and watching game shows. Bob loved animals, especially his dogs and cats.

Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Kathy; a son, Randy Thomas of Ottumwa; 3 daughters, Nancy (Tony) Benson of Ames, Julie (Brian) Reed of Bellevue and Jennifer (Bill) Keith of Ottumwa; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Lucas of Lamar, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Wanda Wootton.

His body has been cremated.

Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 3rd at Reece Funeral Home followed by memorial services at 4 p.m. with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Inurnment will be in Howell Cemetery in Milford, MO at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.