Robert Lee Thomas, Sr.

Mr. Robert Lee Thomas, Sr., departed his earthly home on Monday morning, December 3, 2018 at his residence. He died peacefully with a smile on his face and in his heart. He was born on March 13, 1950 in Smale, Arkansas to Amos Thomas, Sr. and Mae Bell Overton Thomas.

Robert loved the Lord and was baptized at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Smale, Arkansas by Reverend Jordan. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1969. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan in 1970, where he was employed at General Motors Malleable Iron until his retirement.

He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, playing tennis, fishing and cooking, especially grilling. He remained a “country boy” at heart and continued to love the outdoors. The water and the grill often called his name and he loved to answer. If Robert had a theme, it would be, “Can you hear the music or feel the beat?” Robert loved listening to music and sharing it with others. Back in the day he made tapes for others so they could “feel the beat” too.

Robert also had a great sense of humor, a warm smile and an infectious laugh. He loved being surrounded by family and friends. He especially loved the Martin Family because they were such a large family. His children and grandchildren brought great joy to his life. He looked forward to talks, visits, hugs and giving them special gifts. To his children he was a “Superman” who could always be depended on. To his grandchildren he was simply “Paw Paw”, the keeper of candy, gifts and love. This love of family extended to the neighborhood, as many considered him to be a surrogate father.

On October 30th, 1970, he married the love of his life, Irene Martin. They were married for 48 years and together for 50. Robert took great pleasure in spoiling his “Sugar Mama” and keeping a smile on her face. The two were truly one.

He also leaves to cherish his memory one son, Kevin LaRon (Swann) Thomas; daughters, Sonya DeVon Thomas, Katrina Thomas, Breae Thomas, Fay (Dimas) Dominguez, Krissy Allen, Nanette (Corey) Walker; grandchildren, Mikeisha, Marquavion, Darnequia, Tarquionna, Kareem, Cameron, Kevin, Stephen, Jimesha, Tevion, Dontrell, Brittany, Brianna, Robert III, Taylor, Dajah, Brittney, Bianca, Tyler, Taylor, Mario, Chauntierra; a host of great-grandchildren; aunts, Queen (Odell) Burnett, Algirtha Thomas, Annie Jordan; uncle, Joe Overton; sisters-in-law, Julianna Williford, Lorene Martin, Mae Helen Williams; brothers-in-law, Jonathan Martin, Ronnie Martin and Johnny (Felecia) Martin; special friends, Benjamin Batts, Bruce Strong, Saginaw, Michigan, Ules Compton, Jr., Pine Bluff, Arkansas; sisters in love, Mary Thomas, Dorothy Compton, Ethel Davis, Lois Stoval; many other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Amos Thomas, Sr., mother, Mae Bell Overton Thomas; grandmother Louise Abbott who raised him like a son; sons, Michael Duane Thomas, Robert Lee Thomas, Jr., and Leroy (Kunta) Allen; brother, Amos Thomas, Jr.; mother and father-in-law, Mose, Sr. and Irene Martin; sisters-in-law, Emma Crosby, Millie Martin and Verba Martin; brothers-in-law, Mose Martin, Jr., Elijah Martin and Ceabon Martin.