Robert E. Thomas, age 95 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2021 at SKLD Care Center in Defiance, Ohio. He was born on May 27, 1925 to the late Frank and Lucinda (Comadoll) Thomas in Sandusky, Ohio. Bob was a 1943 graduate of Sherwood-Delaware High School. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a tail gunner. After the war he married Dorothy (Linebrink) Thomas on August 31, 1946. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Bob was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance Eagles #372, and American Legion #117. He was a lifelong carpenter and he built his home and helped his children build theirs. He built and operated a dairy bar, and also a saw blade sharpening business, and sold bleach and pond filters. After retirement he and Dorothy traveled the country camping in their RV. They also made two special trips to California for their grandsons' weddings. In later years Bob enjoyed doing word searches, lottery tickets, and a morning cup of coffee at McDonald's. He kept a calendar of family members birthdays and anniversaries to make sure everyone received a card.

Bob will be sadly missed by his daughter, Ann Heater of Ney, OH, and his son, Larry (Janis) Thomas of Defiance, and daughter-in-law, Toni Thomas of Delaware, OH. He also leaves behind  four grandchildren, Amy (Scott) Heater, Jennifer (Aaron) Kerestan, Brian (Reena) Thomas, and Matthew (Susan) Thomas, and nine great-grandchildren; Reilly, Nathan, Easton, Alex, Evan, Joel, Kate, Helen, and Henry. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Phillip Thomas, son-in-law, Gary Heater, brother, John Thomas, and his sister, Helen Thomas. Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Dana Bjorlin officiating. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are required to enter the funeral home. Burial will take place at Riverview Memory Gardens, with graveside military rites accorded by VFW #3360. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church.