Obituary for Robert Arlington Thomas
Robert “Bob” Arlington Thomas, 86, of New Hanover Township, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Deborah (Anderson) Thomas whom he married on January 31, 1976. Born in Shaft, Schuylkill County, PA, he was the son of the late Esther Thomas Cooney. He was raised as a son by his maternal grandparents, the late Samuel and Estella (Steeley) Thomas.
Bob graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School in 1952. He was drafted into the US Army in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1959. During his tour of duty, he was deployed to South Korea; and was stationed at the Demilitarized Zone for thirteen months. On December 1, 1960, Bob enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police as a cadet. He graduated from the State Police Academy May 4, 1961, and was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. Throughout most of his career, he was assigned to stations in Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks County. He retired in 1988 with the rank of Sergeant and was last assigned to the Bureau of Internal Affairs at Departmental Headquarters. Bob was then employed with PECO/Exelon in nuclear security at both the Peach Bottom and Limerick Nuclear Generating Plants.
Bob was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Church, in Bechtelsville. He was also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Pottstown, the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania, the FOP Pioneer Lodge #37, the FBI National Academy Associates, the Pottsville Masonic Lodge No. 216, and the Boyertown Rod and Gun Association. He was a New Hanover Township Supervisor from 1994 to 2000. He also served as a Republican Party committee person in the township for many years.
Bob received great pleasure in serving others and spent his life dedicated to his family, his community, his state, his country, and his faith. He strongly believed this was his purpose for being born. He loved observing God’s creatures and God’s creation. He especially enjoyed and looked forward to going to hunting camp in Lycoming County every year.
Along with Deborah, he is survived by: his sister, Ruth T. Koch; his mother-in-law, Pauline E. Anderson; brothers-in-law, John E. Anderson Jr. and his wife Cheryl, and Robert L. Anderson; sisters-in-law, Patricia A., wife of David Kesic, and Jane M. Gillwood; cousin, Arthur Thomas Jr. and his wife, Donna; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother; his maternal grandparents; a half sister, Mary Kucher; and his father-in-law, John E. Anderson, Sr.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 2:00 PM, at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 527 Hoffmansville Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Friends will be received from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at the Church. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on October 15th at 10:30 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor, Department #13, Tulsa, OK 74182 or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg are in charge of arrangements. To offer online condolences, please visit Bob’s "Book of Memories" at falkfuneralhomes.com.
Bob graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School in 1952. He was drafted into the US Army in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1959. During his tour of duty, he was deployed to South Korea; and was stationed at the Demilitarized Zone for thirteen months. On December 1, 1960, Bob enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police as a cadet. He graduated from the State Police Academy May 4, 1961, and was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. Throughout most of his career, he was assigned to stations in Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks County. He retired in 1988 with the rank of Sergeant and was last assigned to the Bureau of Internal Affairs at Departmental Headquarters. Bob was then employed with PECO/Exelon in nuclear security at both the Peach Bottom and Limerick Nuclear Generating Plants.
Bob was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Church, in Bechtelsville. He was also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Pottstown, the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania, the FOP Pioneer Lodge #37, the FBI National Academy Associates, the Pottsville Masonic Lodge No. 216, and the Boyertown Rod and Gun Association. He was a New Hanover Township Supervisor from 1994 to 2000. He also served as a Republican Party committee person in the township for many years.
Bob received great pleasure in serving others and spent his life dedicated to his family, his community, his state, his country, and his faith. He strongly believed this was his purpose for being born. He loved observing God’s creatures and God’s creation. He especially enjoyed and looked forward to going to hunting camp in Lycoming County every year.
Along with Deborah, he is survived by: his sister, Ruth T. Koch; his mother-in-law, Pauline E. Anderson; brothers-in-law, John E. Anderson Jr. and his wife Cheryl, and Robert L. Anderson; sisters-in-law, Patricia A., wife of David Kesic, and Jane M. Gillwood; cousin, Arthur Thomas Jr. and his wife, Donna; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother; his maternal grandparents; a half sister, Mary Kucher; and his father-in-law, John E. Anderson, Sr.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 2:00 PM, at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 527 Hoffmansville Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Friends will be received from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at the Church. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on October 15th at 10:30 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor, Department #13, Tulsa, OK 74182 or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg are in charge of arrangements. To offer online condolences, please visit Bob’s "Book of Memories" at falkfuneralhomes.com.