Robert L. Thomas

Robert L. Thomas

AGE: 93 • Ocean Grove

Robert L. Thomas passed from this life to his heavenly home on November 25, 2011 of natural causes after a long and productive life of 93 years. Bob was a man of great faith and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose life blessed everyone he met. Bob was born in 1918 in Newark, NJ to his parents, Louis E. Thomas and Marjorie Kuebler Thomas, both deceased. He graduated from Barringer High School in 1936 as a member of the National Honor Society and a Master Boy Scout. He went on to attend Essex Junior College and Coleman School of Business in Newark, NJ before serving in the US Army during World War II. He was stationed for the duration of the war in Panama City, Panama and earned the rank of Master Sergeant. He returned to New Jersey in 1944 when he married his high school sweet-heart, Doris Rambo, and began 29 years of employment in a variety of roles at NOPCO Chemical Company, Harrison, NJ. He was then appointed to the administration of Monmouth University, West Long Branch, in 1966, where he served as Director of Purchasing until his retirement in 1981. After that time, he served for fifteen years as a volunteer bookkeeper for the Auditorium Book Store, Ocean Grove, NJ. He resided in Ocean Grove since 1964. Bob's Christian faith was a defining feature of his life and informed everything he did. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Asbury Park where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and youth leader. He loved gospel music and brought great joy to many in leading congregational singing for many years. Bob had also served as deacon at the Baptist Tabernacle, South Belmar, NJ , Brookdale Baptist Church, Bloomfield, NJ, and Emanuel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.

Surviving him are his devoted wife of 67 years, Doris; a daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and Richard Beltle of Ocean Grove; a son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Ronald and Mary Thomas of Tacoma WA; a grandson Stephen Beltle, his wife Elizabeth, and two great grandchildren Erin Michelle and James Robert of Morrisville, PA.

Bob was known as a gentle giant. With family and friends, and often with total strangers, Bob had a gift of engaging people with his broad smile, his ready wit, and his generous heart. He inspired others by facing adversity with patience, courage and without complaint. His family will deeply miss him and the joy he brought into their lives.

Visitation will be at Ely Funeral Home, Route 33, Neptune, Tuesday, November 29, from 4:00-7:00pm. A memorial service will be held at The First Baptist Church of Asbury Park, Grand Avenue at Third, Wednesday, November 30, at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to The First Baptist Church of Asbury Park.