Robert Douglas Thomas

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Robert Thomas, or "Mouse" as he was known to basically everyone. He was struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle on Saturday night and died on the scene.

He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed. There will be a memorial service/celebration of his life at Blount & Curry Funeral Home in Carrollwood on W Bearss Ave. on Friday, March 14. We can begin to gather there at 10 am and the ceremony will start at 11 am. All are welcome to attend. No dress code - just be comfortable.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Thomas and Constance Davison, brother Kenny Thomas, and sisters, Valerie Carter and Pam Schilling. He is survived by his son, Rob Thomas, daughter-in-law Laura Deehan; his grandchildren, Fiona and Rhys Thomas; his brother, Matthew Schilling, sister-in-law Katrina Schilling, brother-in-law Robert Carter; sister Priscilla Stone several nieces and nephews, including Sean Ellis with whom he lived for the last six years; and beloved friends.

Mouse was a voracious reader and serious music lover with a brilliant mind and kind heart. He had a quick, sharp wit, an endless supply of corny jokes, and a unique sense of style. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he married Allison Lifton and had one child - Rob. He worked in nuclear medicine, but ultimately spent the last couple of decades doing something he legitimately loved - working in restaurant kitchens. People who knew him there will tell you how hard a worker he was, but much more just how great a guy he was to be around and talk with. His decades of devouring the printed word and his unique experiences in life meant he could hold an intelligent conversation about almost anything. The world has lost someone truly special.

Please support the organization, Autism Speaks, to which Mouse dedicated time, energy, and support for many years.

www.autismspeaks.org