Robert F. "Bob" Thomas

Robert F. “Bob” Thomas, Jr., 83, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 6, 1942, to the late Robert Franklin Thomas, Sr. and Monabelle Margaret (Conn) Thomas, Bob honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1965.

A proud graduate of Purdue University with a degree in engineering, he retired in 2003 after a dedicated 38-year career at International Harvester. Following his retirement, he embraced his passion as a graduate of the Reppert School of Auctioneering and operated Bob’s Auction Barn in Adams County. He spent his spare time doing genealogy and going to flea markets.

He was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church, an avid Purdue fan, and a dedicated collector of anything related to International Harvester.

On December 13, 1981, he married his beloved wife, Kathleen “Kay” Burke in Decatur, and she survives. In addition to his wife, Kay, Bob is survived by his sister, Marlene (Tom) Kehhler of Waterloo, Indiana; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Schaadt of Decatur, Indiana; brother-in-law, Athen (Cindy) Burke of Van Wert, Ohio; nieces and nephews, Marlo Patterson, Mitch Bye, Natalie (Mike) Clark, Chad (Wanita) Schaadt, Todd Burke, Scott Burke, and Carey Partin; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, including Laura Wilder, Taylor Crump, Jarred Clark, Logan Clark, Cody Schaadt, Mariah Antrim, Chelsey Harris, Garrett Hilyard, Layne Burke, Sophie Burke, Anna Partin, Emma Partin, and Conner Partin.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Gale Schaadt.

A funeral service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, with Pastor John McCullough officiating.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Woodcrest Chapel and again from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment with a Military Graveside Service conducted by American Legion Post 43 Color Guard will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana or Union Chapel United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home of Decatur, Indiana.