Robert Franklin Thomason
1943-2019
Robert Franklin Thomason, or Bob, died Monday, June 17, 2019 at 76 years of age in Oklahoma City. He passed away from a prolonged illness in the presence of loved ones.
Bob was born on May 7, 1943 to Ray and Myrtle Thomason in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up attending Eram School, Morris School and later graduating as a proud Bulldog from Okmulgee High School class of 1961. He was raised with brothers Louis and John Thomason and sisters Linda Holman and Nancy Thomason Daniel. He furthered his education at Northeastern A&M University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma as well as graduating from the Dale Carnegie leadership program. He married the love of his life Amber Gaither Thomason on September 4, 1965. They were married 53 years. Bob and Amber have two children, Ron Thomason and Robbie White, and six grandchildren.
Bob had a distinguished career as an engineer. He worked for Dow Chemical, Ralston Purina Company and Nestle Purina. He also worked as a consultant, commercial contractor and electrician throughout his life. He was prized for his work ethic and technical know-how. Beyond his work Bob enjoyed operating ham radios and teaching others to do so, woodworking, rebuilding tractors, photography and watching OU football. He also loved dressing up as Santa Claus to raise money for the Edmond Amateur Radio Society and volunteering for the Oklahoma City Railway Museum. Bob was a longtime member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church. He and his wife, Amber, founded the “tape ministry” that grew into a thriving ministry that provides recordings of sermons.
Bob is survived by his wife Amber, Louis and Norma Thomason, John and Melinda Thomason, his sisters Linda Holman and Nancy Thomason Daniel, his many nephews and a niece, his children Robbie with her husband Ben and Ron with his wife Stephanie, and his grandchildren Catherine, Meredith, Benjamin, Kelsey, David and William. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Myrtle Thomason, and nephew Doug Thomason.
Bob was a kind person above all else. He had a fierce love for his family and worked tirelessly for decades to ensure that both he and his family would find love in all places. He will be missed, but more importantly he will be remembered as the ceaseless father he was to us all. He tried to leave each person he met better than when he found them.
The family will be greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19th at Matthews Funeral Home Edmond, OK.
Bob’s memorial service will be this Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond. Later that day, he will be interred at a family plot in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Bob, thanks for your friendship over the years. You will be missed by us all.
I have known Bob for as long as I can remember. My dad was good friends with him through Ham radio. Nothing but good memories. He was such a great person. I’m so glad I was able to know him. My condolences to the family, he will be greatly missed.
There was not a better and kinder man anywhere. He will be sorely missed by so many.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
Psalm 116:15
Will always cherish our times at Johnnies hamburger restaurant. Loved getting together and sharing our lives. May you rest in peace.
Phyllis and Pete Miller
What a wonderful Christian gentleman who was always so kind hearted and friendly! Our prayers are with your Family! He will be missed! Jeff and Becky Baggett
Bob was a remarkable man who will be greatly missed by his friends at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. I will never forget his positive attitude and friendly personality. It was such an privilege to know him!
Amber, my deepest sympathy!
Amber So sorry to hear about Bob We were friends from your time in Lake Jackson Tx many years ago. We never forgot you and Bob and your children.
With deepest sympathy
Jo Ballard Baker
I had the good fortune to work with Bob for many years. He was a true gentleman that was committed to his work and his family. I learned much from Bob and am grateful for having the opportunity to know Bob. My deepest sympathy to Amber and all of Bob’s family.
Al Detmer
Bob and I worked on several projects over the years with Ralston Purina at the Oklahoma City plant. As well as a project where he was the onsite project engineer with Nestle Purina. He was a very knowledgeable and good man to work with.
Bob helped me by my first mobile HAM radio and antenna.
God bless you and your family.
73’s NØYKL
Bob and I worked on many projects at the Edmond plant in the 70’s and 80’s. He was a dedicated company man who absolutely loved his work and his family. He had a great laugh and sense of humor and the two of us working together made projects fun! Bob will be truly missed by all who were lucky to have known him.
Many prayers to your lovely family. We have such fond memories of Bob. Love to all, Marcena Volmer and Stacy Robberson.
Amber ~I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, Bob. I always enjoyed assisting you both with your wonderful travels. Praying for you & your family.