Robert B. Thomas

Robert Barnes Thomas was released from this earth on September 29,2025 from what medical professionals' term "heart failure". His heart, however, succeeded in all the ways that matter most. Robert was lovingly known as Barney, Dad, Grandad or Great-Grandaddy.

He arrived as a Valentine's baby in 1939 to Hazel (Grace) and Sam Johnston Thomas. Often it was mentioned of how sweet Barney always appeared to be to those who encountered him. He packed a lot of life in his 86 years in Eureka, Texas where he was proud to have been raised along with his sisters, Patsy (Galen) Crawford and Billie Rash, and brothers: Sammy (Peggy)Thomas, Roy (Sheila) Thomas, and the twins, Dave (Donna) Thomas and Dan (Pam) Thomas. He attended school at Navarro, which then became Mildred. Later, he was honored to return as a school board member and continued to support the Mildred Eagles throughout his life.

Barney would often tell that he met the love of his life, Patricia (Weaver), in a pretty, little grey sweater dress at a small football game in town that was well chaperoned with family. They were married for 66 years before Heaven called her home in 2024. She has remained in his heart and soul. Together, they raised their two sons, Robby and Randy Thomas. Before Randy passed away, he complimented his father by repeatedly telling him how much he loved him and that he had always been his best friend and a wonderful father.

Barney was blessed to retire among his friends at Anchor (Chattanooga) Glass and then later retired from Mildred ISD, where he worked in maintenance and drove a bus. He served as the Mayor of Eureka for 25 years and as a council member for five years. He was a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #1060. He tried to assist many who needed a helping hand. We take great comfort in knowing that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man and was baptized. He was a faithful member of the Eureka United Methodist Church.

He loved listening to gospel country hits and watching westerns on his tv along with the Texas Rangers and the Texas Longhorns. He volunteered for many occasions in Navarro County as a cook and on various committees. He loved working in the fields and driving a tractor along with tending to cattle and horses. Barney and Patricia loved spending time with their family and friends, even opened their home for some to live with them. They tried to never miss a ball game or school function of their grandsons in which they actively cheered. Their grandsons were always welcomed at their home, and they gladly participated in everything for them. We always knew to count on Grandad for assistance on how to do literally anything and he would be right there to lend a helping hand or just give much needed support.

Barney's smile and loving hands will be missed most by his family: Robby and Teresa Thomas, and Pamela Thomas (Randy), his grandsons: Stayton and Lockie, Zachary and Miranda Thomas, Jacob and Natalie Thomas along with his great grandchildren: Rylie and Hudson Thomas, and Lane Thomas.

His family expresses their gratitude for care given to him by Kerens Care Center, Ashley Campbell, New Century Hospice, Brookdale Assisted Living, Terrie Anderson's Caregivers (Terrie and Lisa), Bristol Hospice, Cedar Lake Home Health and Rebecca Richards.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Sam and Hazel Thomas, his wife: Patricia (Weaver) Thomas, son: Randy Thomas, brother: Sammy Thomas and sisters: Patsy (and Galen) Crawford and Billie Rash, sisters-in-law: Jackie Adams Thomas, and brothers-in-law: Robert (and Mary Jean) Weaver and Douglas Weaver.

Pallbearers will be Rusty Jones, Bill Cunnigham, his nephew: Jeff Weaver and his grandsons: Stayton, Zachary and Jacob.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday October 1, 2025 at Corley Funeral Home, with a Funeral Service Scheduled for 10:00 am on Thursday October 2, 2025, and Corley Funeral Chapel, with an Interment Service to follow immediately after at Eureka Cemetery in Eureka TX.

Instead of flowers, please make donations to The Mildred Education Foundation, Eureka Volunteer Fire Department, Eureka United Methodist Church for their Lord's Acre, Navarro County Youth Expo or choose a family to support during the holidays. These all held special places in Barney's heart.

Corley Funeral Home,

418 North 14th Street

Corsicana, TX 75110