Robert Erwin Thomas (Bob/Tom), age 93, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois since 1956 passed away July 10, 2023. Beloved husband of 72 years to Gloria (nee Damarin). Loving father of Robert Scot (Tiffany) Thomas, Steven (Linda) Thomas, Sue (Randy) Conrad, Sheri (Michael Weiler) Thomas and former daughter-in-law Lynn Stalowy. Proud grandfather of Stephanie (Clay Preheim) Thomas, the late Katie Thomas, Ashley Thomas, Amy (the late Chris) Ariano, Amanda (Trevor Cairns) Conrad, Peter (Lizzie) Conrad, Ryan and Ali Weiler. Honored great-grandfather of Ellery, Hunter and Adrian Preheim, Parker Stalowy, Ava and Benjamin Ariano, and Zoey Conrad. Dear brother of the late Harley, the late Wilbur "Bill" Thomas, the late Lora Noesen, the late Zelda Wessies, the late Mildred Swenson, the late Verl Henderson, and Donna Mae Anderson.

Robert was born March 11, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Harley Ralph and the late Louise Barbara (nee Colling) Thomas. He made a career in computers, working as a manager for many companies. He was a vintage car enthusiast and enjoyed "restoring" them in his garage with his children. He owned a 1956 Thunderbird, 1934 Chevy, 1973 Triumph Stag, and even a 1953 MG. Robert was very handy and liked to tinker. He could fix anything, and though it may not have looked pretty, it worked! When his children were small, a common past time was fishing and boating, with one of his favorite places being at a summer home in Wisconsin and enjoying times on Lake Wisconsin. Robert was a very smart man and kept his wits about him up until his last days. He stayed up to date with current topics and always enjoyed an engaging conversation without pressuring his opinion. He had a good sense of humor with a sarcastic flare and friends would call him "a tease." When his boys were young, he umpired for their little league teams and liked to watch his grandchildren play sports. He loved his family, was a great neighbor, helping when he could, but he lived for his wife. He was always saying "Yes, ma'am!" and would do anything Gloria asked. They enjoyed traveling together such as going on cruises, a helicopter ride over a volcano in Hawaii, a horseback riding trip in Sedona with his brother and wife, or having a vacation in Captiva with some of his family. In his older years, he was always on his iPad making sure he kept up with family and friends, whether it was through Facebook or over FaceTime.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 21st from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert's name to www.lung.org . Funeral care provided by G.L Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com .