BROWNSTOWN

Robert “Bob” Eugene Thomas, 84, of Brownstown passed away unexpectedly at 10:22 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, at his home.

Born Jan. 26, 1932, in North Vernon, he was the son of William Russell Thomas and Pearl Nocks Thomas, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Ethel Holland Pierce on Aug. 12, 1956, in North Vernon. Together, they moved to Jackson County in 1968. She preceded him in death Dec. 16, 1988.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of Brownstown Presbyterian Church. He owned and operated Bob Thomas Chevrolet in Brownstown for 37 years. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925 in Seymour, a 55-year member of the Masonic Lodge of North Vernon and a member of the Shriner’s in Indianapolis. He was a past member of the board of directors of The Peoples Bank and a past president of the welfare board of Jackson County. He graduated from North Vernon High School and attended University of Louisville for two years. He enjoyed auto racing and was a member of Al Unser Jr.’s winning Indianapolis 500 team.

Survivors include children, Margo Burnside of Freetown, Clifton Thomas of Vallonia and Anne (Weldon) Carlin of Brownstown; grandchildren, Courtney Burnside, Jason and Ryan Burnside, Kara Thompson, Megan and Kaitlin Thomas, Brooke, Hunter and Chloe Carlin.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Winnie Buell.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Brownstown Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place at Vernon Cemetery. Full military graveside rites will be conducted.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Johnson Funeral Home in Vallonia and from noon until time of service Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice of charity.

Condolences may be expressed at johnsonfh.net.