Wednesday, July 21, 2021 12:22 pm

Robert (Bob) John Thomas, 70, of Rutherfordton, NC, (formerly Lowell, Indiana) passed away July 12, 2021.

Born in Gary, Indiana to Jim & Ellajean Thomas, Robert was a sweet and loving boy.

After graduating from Portage High School in 1970, Bob took his gifted running talents and continued his education at Indiana State University (ISU) where he met his wife Roberta DuCharme in 1973. While attending Indiana State University, Robert set 2 ISU track and field records in the steeplechase event that was held respectively for 5 and 7 years. After college, Robert married the love of his life Roberta in 1974. Robert landed his first job as an industrial art teacher the same year at Lowell Senior High School and went on to coach boys/girls cross country, boys/girls track and field and boy's golf.

Robert and Roberta went on to have 2 boys, Ryan and Nathan, who reside in Indiana.

Robert was predeceased in death by his mother and father, brother Jimmy Thomas, and sister Pat Lawson and leaves behind his wife of 46 years Roberta Thomas, sons and daughters in-law Ryan and Stephanie Thomas, Nathan and Megan Thomas, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.

The Mass of Christian Burial be held July 31, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1024 W. Main St, Forest City, celebrated by the Reverend Father Herbert Burke and Deacon Andy Cilone.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 374 Hudlow Rd, Forest City, NC 28043.