Robert L. “Bob” Thomas, 77, of Beaumont passed away on Friday, December 1, 2006, at his home in Beaumont after a lengthy illness.
Bob was born on March 30, 1929, in Houston, grew up in Beaumont and graduated from South Park High School in 1946. He earned his business degree from the University of Texas in 1953 and his law degree from the University of Texas in 1955. After serving in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, he practiced law as a solo practitioner in Beaumont until his retirement several years ago. He also served as judge of the Municipal Court of Beaumont from 1961 to 1980.
Masonry was a big part of Bob’s life. A 33rd degree mason, he served three times as master of Beaumont Lodge No. 286, AF & AM, and was a past district deputy grand master and past grand marshal of the Grand Lodge of Texas. He was honored by the Lodge with its Golden Trowel Award this year. He especially enjoyed participating in the Red Cross of Constantine and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. For many years he served as degree master of the 24th degree and as a Trustee of the governing board of the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. He was a member of the Wisteria Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and the DeMolay Legion of Honor.
Bob was a faithful member of Calder Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and as a class officer of the Men’s Bible Class. He served on the local Salvation Army Board for many years and was honored with a Life Membership on its Advisory Board. He was also twice president of West End Little League.
Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Dolores V. “Dodee” Thomas; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Thomas of La Crescenta, California; sons, David V. Thomas of Sealy, Texas and Robert L. Thomas, III and his wife Susan Thomas of Beaumont; and grandchildren, Amy Matalas and her husband Terry Matalas of Brentwood, California, Benjamin Ritter of La Crescenta, California, and Hannah Thomas and Robert L. Thomas, IV of Beaumont.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2006 at Calder Baptist Church, Harrison Street at North 11th Street, in Beaumont, with a Masonic graveside burial service to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2006 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219 or Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
