Robert 'Bob' Earl Thomas, age 83, of La Porte formerly of Hobart, Indiana, passed away on April 5, 2013 at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 31, 1929 to Leslie R. and Vera (Conway) Thomas.
On January 17, 1948, he married Betty Lou Atkinson who preceded him in death.
Surviving are his children, Wayne (Jeanine) Thomas of Chesterton, Mark L. (Karen) Thomas of Harvey, IL., Bonnie (Duane) Miller of La Porte, and Craig (Pat) Thomas of Piedmont, SC.; sister, Marion Baltrusch of Cape Coral, FL.; grandchildren, Scott Thomas, Barbara Thomas, Israel Thomas, Eric Miller, and Amy Salazar; and special friend Helen Clarkson of Ft. Myers, FL.
Robert was a retired Cadillac Service Manager. He was a Past Master of Harvey Masonic Lodge in Harvey, IL., Past Worthy Patron of Celesta and Arcadia Eastern Star of Harvey and Lansing, IL., and a member of United Methodist Church in Hobart, IN.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Dorothy Yant, and brother, Ralph Thomas.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN., with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. A time of visitation will take place prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A private burial will take place at Cedar Park Cemetery in Calumet Park, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com. For information, call (219) 362-2828.