Bobby Charles "Bob" Thomas

Bob was born on June 7, 1934, and passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2014, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine "Cathy" Thomas; children, Karen Shaw and her husband, Carl and Denise Thomas; grandchildren, Jason Shaw (Kellie) and Staci Blanc (Aaron); great-grandson, Jacob Shaw; his sister, Mary Johnson, Winchester, TN; sister, Phyllis Mercer and husband, Tom, Seattle, WA; and brother, Tony Thomas and his wife, Davedda, Albuquerque, NM; sisters-in-law, Reta Thomas and Jean Thomas, both of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Thomas, and brothers, George and Dave Thomas, all of Albuquerque. Bob was born in Batesville, Arkansas and moved to Albuquerque in 1948. He attended Albuquerque High School and after serving in the US Army in Germany from 1952-1954, he attended The University of New Mexico. He made a career of working as Manager for New Mexico Tire and Battery. Bob played softball when he was young, was an avid fisherman, and loved TV sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the NY Yankees. He took great pride building and maintaining his cabin in Chama, with help from good friends, and spent many fun-filled days snowmobiling and fishing with a very special circle of long-time friends. Bob enjoyed taking long RV trips with his adored grandchildren, showing them the country, and with the Zia Drifters RV Club. In his later years, he found great pleasure in his backyard turtles, especially the yearly hatchlings that he hand-fed until they were strong enough to fend for themselves. Bob loved his family and will be especially missed by his beloved grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 10:00 am at FRENCH - Lomas, with visitation one hour prior at 9:00 am. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico Animal Humane Society, 615 Virginia Street SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108.