Floyd Robert Thomas, Sr.

Floyd Robert Thomas, Sr., age 87, died Jan. 18, 2013, in Topeka, KS. He will be remembered as a supportive and loving family man, and a friend to all. He was born May 6, 1925 on a farm near Dakota, IL., the son of Frank and Elvira Tielkemeier Thomas. He graduated from Dakota High School in 1943 and attended Washburn University. He was a civilian contract officer for the Air Force at Forbes Field, Topeka. After 31 years of civil service he retired and started Thomas Painting Company. He served in the Army Air Force in World War II in the South Pacific as a radar man on a B-29 Bomber. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Bronze Stars. Mr. Thomas was a member of the First Baptist Church in Topeka for over 65 years. He served as an usher as well as many other positions through the years. He was a member of the Arab Shrine and active in the Foot Bowler's Unit. He was a member of the American Legion and commodore of the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club, and a committee man for the Democratic Party. He married Una Mae Major on November 2, 1945 in Freeport, Illinois. She and other survivors are their daughters, Sheryl Blackburn (Jim), and Donna Stanley (Brad), Phoenix, Arizona, and a son, Dr. Floyd Thomas Jr., Dayton, Ohio, one brother, Stanley Thomas, Freeport, Illinois. He also leaves six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Mildred Kruger, and brothers Lowell and Melvin. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 11:00 AM, at First Baptist Church, S.W. 29th and MacVicar, with visitation one hour preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Baptist Church mission in the Congo.