Robert Paul Thomas

Thomas, Robert Paul
Robert Paul Thomas, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, graduated to his Heavenly home on August 15, 2021. Paul was a child born into the Great Depression. He resided in Louisville, KY with his parents Walter and Mayme (Anderson) Thomas and his 3 older siblings Walter, Harold Lee, and Ruth. He would later attend Louisville Male High School where he became the First Lieutenant of the ROTC program, and also an accomplished musician. He played first chair trumpet for 3 years for the school marching band, received the Music Association Medal for outstanding work in instrumental music, and had the honor of being chosen to play his trumpet for the National Anthem at the 1950 Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. On September 6, 1952, at 20 years old Paul married the love of his life, Yvonne (Bonnie) O'Bryant. Together they would go on to have 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren! Paul was also a talented salesman, and his work took him all over the globe. He sold everything from cars, to men's clothing, insurance, yellow pages advertising, hearing aids, and even wigs. When he wasn't traveling, he was very involved in his local church where he served in many different ministries. He was passionate about supporting missionaries around the world and he and Bonnie welcomed many missionary families into their home over the years. He also taught Bible studies for many years and served as a deacon and a worship leader at many of the churches he attended throughout his life. After living in Westerville, Ohio for 21 years, in 1983, Paul and Bonnie moved to Port Orange, Florida where they made their home for over 2 decades. They dearly loved their church, First Baptist Church of Daytona, and were very involved in ministry there. They also loved long drives down the beach and taking the grandkids to the ocean and putt-putting when they came to visit. After losing Bonnie, his beloved wife of 53 years, Paul went on to marry another wonderful woman, Alice Ross. She was to be his love and faithful friend for the remainder of his life. They enjoyed staying busy and doing everyday things together, going to the store, eating at their favorite restaurants, and attending their home church, Centerburg Church of Christ. Paul had timeless good looks, a dashing smile, and a charm that drew people to him. He loved to talk and he built lasting relationships with people everywhere he went. Many of his friendships were decades-long, and he considered them more like family than friends. He had an enduring strength of both body and mind and never complained, even when things got hard. Paul loved his family. He loved spending time with his kids, and he was very proud of them. He enjoyed telling his stories and hugging his grandkids and great-grandkids tight and giving them a good tease every now and then. More than anything though, Paul loved the Lord. He lived his life in service to his Savior, Jesus Christ, and humbly used his gifts and talents to serve Him. The legacy Paul leaves with us is one of faith, family, and enduring love. Though he will be deeply missed by all those he left behind, we take comfort and find joy in knowing that he is in the arms of his Heavenly Father and that he has been reunited with his loved ones that have gone before him. In addition to his parents and his siblings, Robert Paul Thomas was preceded in death by his loving wife Yvonne "Bonnie" Thomas, his children Larry "Duane" Thomas (Fern), and Marci Lynn Blubaugh (Michael). He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Alice (Ross) Thomas of Centerburg, Ohio; his children, Jonathon "Mark" Thomas (Molly) of Centerburg, Ohio, Paul "Scott" Thomas (Anne) of Centerburg, Ohio and Douglas Allen Thomas (Debbie) of Delaware, Ohio; and also by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends. Paul's celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Genoa Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082, with Pastor Frank Carl officiating. Viewing hours: 10-11:30 am, Funeral service: 11:30am. Burial will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Delaware County, Ohio, following the funeral service. The family would like to invite everyone to a dinner at the Home of Scott and Anne Thomas following the graveside service at 8758 Myers Road, Centerburg, Ohio 43011. The DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thomas family. Please share a memory or condolence with them at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com