Robert Thomas

Robert Thomas, 95 of Freeman passed away January 1st at the Freeman Regional Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be 11a.m. Wednesday, January 8th at the E.M.B. Church of rural Marion.  Visitation will begin at 9:30a.m. Wednesday morning at the church.  

Robert Thomas was born June 12th, 1929 to Caleb and Ruth (Ratzlaff) Thomas. Robert graduated from Freeman Academy in 1948.

When Robert knew that he might drafted to serve in the war he decided to sign up for Voluntary Service through the Mennonite Central Committee. He was stationed at Brooklane Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland. He thoroughly enjoyed his 2 years there, making lasting friendships. We enjoyed listening to his adventures. It was there that he met Dorothy Jane Miller who was also a volunteer through MCC.They were married Dec. 14th 1956 in Gulfport MS. 

To this union were born Stanley (Cathy), Allen aka Amos, Kristine (Jason) Haas, Philip (Joline), and Marcelle (Mark) Brackenbury. 8 grandchildren, Timothy (Jessica), Tabitha (Ben), Toby (Courtney), Tiffany, and Thomas, Marie, Anna, and Jaden. 7 great grandchildren, Emma, Bethany, Levi, Marcus, Marley, Lillymae, and a boy coming in February.

Robert was active in the EMB Church serving is various positions. He also loved to sing and sang in many different groups. He farmed the family homestead for nearly 60 years. In his spare time if there was any, he loved to go fishing. He raised registered Hamps with the blood lines continuing to this day which he were passed on to Phil and now Jaden.

He was preceded in death by his parents Caleb and Ruth, his wife Jane, his brothers and their wives Duane and Lena, Kenneth and Ruth and Nephew Byron.