Born on November 1, 1938, in Fulton, Illinois, to the late Mary Catherine Hauchen Thomas and William Michael Thomas, Robert was a proud native of McGregor, Iowa. In the fall of 1956, he moved to Texas, where he would meet the love of his life, Sally Ann Romero, who he lovingly called his " Cajun Princess " . Their shared love of family and culture led them to marry on September 25, 1965, and together, they embraced the Cajun lifestyle. Robert often joked that he should have been born a Cajun, given his deep love for their culture, music, and traditions.
A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, Robert was known for his hardworking nature and his wide range of talents. He began his career as an auto mechanic at Clegg Motors of Port Arthur and Caraway Motors of Beaumont, before transitioning to Gulf Oil Refinery in 1977, where he worked as a machinist and ultimately retired as a machinist supervisor.
Robert was a true "Jack of all trades," always eager to lend a helping hand to family and friends with their projects. His passions included woodworking, antiquing, and tending to his meticulously beautiful yard. His rare collection of Gulf Oil memorabilia was among the largest in the United States, a testament to his love for history and detail. He was also known far and wide for his homemade peanut brittle, which he made in the old-fashioned way and joyfully shared with friends and family during the holiday season.
Robert was a dedicated fan of high school football, especially the PNG Indians, and was a lifelong supporter of the Dallas Cowboys. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His kind spirit and willingness to help others will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Robert will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Robert is survived by his daughter Roberta Prince (Leslie Prince); his brother Duane Thomas (Bonnie Thomas) and his sister Paula McGee; his grandchild Shawna Alexander, his grandchild Leslie Prince Jr., his grandchild Troy Thomas, his grandchild Kimberly Tyson, his great grandchild Emma Tyson, his great grandchild Landon Prince, his great grandchild Logan Prince, his great grandchild Lane Prince, his great grandchild Nevaeh Prince, his great grandchild Michael Prince and his great grandchild Danielle Moore.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Sally Ann Romero; his son Robert Thomas Jr.; his father William Thomas and his mother Mary Hauchen; his brother Rodney Thomas; his brother Daryl Thomas and his sister Patricia Warner.
Robert will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves, Texas 77619.
