Robert C. Thomas

Robert C. "Bob" Thomas age 79, of Elliston left our Earth, on December 27, 2017, quietly in the middle of the night one month after his youngest brother died. His wife, children and granddaughter Cassie were by his side. He fought a courageous battle the past few years of infections and strokes.

Bob was the first baby born in the new Coeur d Alene hospital on September 29, 1938 to William and Mayme (Engler) Thomas. He joined his older brother Bill and soon siblings Barney, Bruce and Sue followed. The family moved to Elliston, MT when he was a 4^th grader and the family made Elliston their forever home. Bob finished Powell County High School and he and his brother Bill joined the United States Army in 1955. They were stationed at Fort McArthur in San Pedro CA when they met their California blondes. He married Sherry Anne Brow on November 7, 1957 in CA and soon he and brother Bill moved their wives home to Elliston. They made their home in the Elliston Gulch. Bob and Sherry recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Bob had numerous occupations in his life; laying carpet, building homes, running a pole yard with his brother Bill and eventually they purchased the Elliston store in 1972. He eventually started working for the State of Montana, a position he retired from. Bob loved to bird hunt but his biggest joy was following his wife around the State while she participated in showing horses and later judging them. They also enjoyed making small trips to visit their kids and grandkids. Bob and Sherry were inseparable and he always said he was the lucky one because he found his soul mate. "Sherry my Sweet heart" was a tattoo he proudly showed off on his arm.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Sherry of Elliston; children Rob (Toni) Thomas of Virginia, Millissa Schmit Riggin of Elliston, Molley Barr of Liberty Lake, WA, Sommer (Mike) Cox of North Carolina; brother Bill (Marilyn) Thomas, sister Sue Hiltz, sister-in-law Cheryl Thomas all of Elliston; fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his son Barney, daughter Carrie, parents William and Mayme, brothers Bruce, Barney and infant brothers Brian, Barry and Byron and brother-in-law Jim Hiltz.

The Family would like to give an extended Thank You to Guy Hayter and Cooney Apple-Rehab for the excellent care they provided the past couple of months. Especially Susan RN, Eliza LPN, CNA's Robby, Cody, Peter, Robyn, Kelli, Klarissa, Gina and the excellent kitchen staff. Thank you to the VA Hospital, St. Peter's Hospital, Melinda, Brenda and Amy from Compassus Hospice. Special thanks to Dick Brown of Cloyd Funeral Home in Lewistown for handling the arrangements.

A memorial for Bob Thomas will be held at a later date, cremation has taken place at his request.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.