LEICESTER: Robert D. Thomas,82, of 436 Henshaw St., in the Rochdale section of Leicester, died Thursday, Feb. 12, in Overlook Masonic Home in Charlton.
His wife, Amanda Anne (Bennett) Thomas, died in 1994. He leaves a daughter Nancy Jean Decleermocker and her husband Alec of Willmington, N.C., two brothers Carlton Thomas of Oxford and Frank Thomas of E.Brookfield, four sisters Olive Austin of Beaverton, Col., Helen Soponski and Edith Garneau both of Auburn, and Janet LaPrad of Warren, a granddaughter and two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a son Kevin Thomas, two brothers Everett Thomas died in 1997, and Gilbert Thomas in 1986, and a sister Alice Romek in 2005.
Mr. Thomas was a custodian for the U.S. Post Office in Shrewsbury from 1983 to 1991 before retiring.
He was born in Charlton, the son of Frank E. and Erma (Batchelder) Thomas. He later served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a life member and Past Commander of the VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans in Worcester. He was an avid sportsman and member of the Auburn Sportsman's Club.
Funeral services are private with burial in Worcester County Memorial Park with Military Honors. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, Feb. 16 from 4 to 6p.m. in the MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Mass. Chapter for Homeless Veterans "Food Pantry", 69 Grove St., Worcester 01605.