Robert "Bobby" Thomas

ROBERT "BOBBY" THOMAS EDINBURG - Robert "Bobby" Thomas, 82, died Friday, April 11, 2014, at McAllen Medical Center. Mr. Thomas was born in Mercedes and had lived in Edinburg most if his life. Bob's greatest joy was his immediate and extended family. His true calling, however, was interacting with strangers and entertaining them with his stories and his jokes. Although Bob was not able to get around very well the last three years of his life, it did not stop him from befriending wait staff, nurses, and sales clerks. He never let an occasion go by without ending a conversation with a witty remark. He was very proud of his four daughters’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments and kept everyone updated with their current shenanigans. He shared his joy of life with everyone, family and strangers alike. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Estella (Uresti) Thomas; three brothers, Adan, Isaac, Jose; and his granddaughter Kaylie Marie Adame. A veteran of the Korean War, Robert taught briefly in Edinburg and joined the Knights of Columbus, before moving his young family to Mexico City where he worked as the General Manager of the Safety Division of American Optical of Mexico (AOMEX). His primary responsibility was ensuring that the medical equipment produced in Mexico met international standards. Upon his return to the U.S. he worked with the Region I Adult Education program and was the director of SER, a job placement service. Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Tencha C. Thomas of Edinburg; four children, Debbie Thomas of Edinburg, Joni Thomas of San Juan, Lisa T. (George) Adame of Austin, TX, Bobbie Kay (Ray) Freitas of Moore, TX; four grandchildren, Eryn, Abel "AJ", Kevin, Madison; five siblings, Ida Carmona of McAllen, Velma Ramirez of Weslaco, Dolores “Lolie” (Celestino) Dominguez of Mercedes, Tom (Pilar) Thomas of Edinburg, Jesse (Dorina) Thomas of Dallas, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; five sisters-in-law, Fidela Calvillo, Flora Calvillo, Betty Herrera, Nena Guerra, and Cris Ausborn. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the National MS Society Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.