Obituary of Robert A. Thomas

Robert A. Thomas, 76, of 409 Hunt Road, died at 3:04 a.m. Sunday ( January 17, 2010) in WCA Hospital. He was born in Dunkirk, NY on May 18, 1933, a son of the late Ellis and Jessie Dahn Thomas, and later graduated from Jamestown High School in 1951 and Jamestown Community College in 1960. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, Bob started his career as a furniture maker and venetian blind manufacturer in the family business, Thomas Wood & Metal Specialties. In the early 70's, the business moved to its West Third Street location and evolved into the prestigious kitchen and floor covering design store known as Thomas Webco. He served as vice president and retired in 1998. A former chairman of the Jamestown City Republican Committee and president of the Jamestown Jaycees, Bob had been a member of the Vikings Lodge, Herman Kent Post #777 American Legion, Mt. Moriah Lodge 145 F & AM and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He belonged to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Bob enjoyed his tractors and toys, his exercise classes at the Lakewood YMCA and especially a cup of coffee or a libation with his many friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ondich Thomas whom he married August 16, 1958; four children, Timothy (Pam) Thomas, David (Brenda) Thomas, Marianne (Jennifer) Thomas and Daniel (Ericka) Thomas; and four grandchildren, Aaron, Juliana, Sydney and Cooper Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur E. Thomas in 2003. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Bob's family wishes to thank all of his caregivers at WCA Hospital and Doctors Arveladze, Cirbus and Arnal. They request memorials be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 35 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; or the Lakewood Family YMCA, 183 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.