IN MEMORIAM: Operating Engineers Local 513’s Robert Joseph Thomas, Jr.

St. Charles, MO – Robert Joseph Thomas, Jr., a 60-year member of Operating Engineers Local 513 and a U.S. Army veteran, passed away Nov. 25, 2020 at the age of 86.

Brother Thomas has two sons and a son-in-law in Local 513, another son in the Machinists union and a son-in-law in Elevator Constructors Local 3.

Brother Thomas was a family man and loved spending time with his loving family. He enjoyed working in the yard, spending time outdoors and was an avid reader. And he absolutely loved eating sweets.

Brother Thomas was the loving husband of Darlene Thomas; beloved son of the late  Robert Joseph, Sr. and Agnes Thomas (nee Eschmann); devoted father of Dorothy (Rick) Barley, Brenda (Jeff) Cox, Kevin Thomas, William Thomas, Robert (Barb) Thomas, III, Karen (Joseph) McGowan, and Joy Mayer; cherished grandfather of Crystal (Charles) Weller, Corey (Lacey) Cox, Randy Thomas, Maggie McGowan, Emily McGowan, and Joseph Thomas; step-grandfather of Ryan (Amanda) Kopf, Brad Kopf, DJ (Sami) Elbert, and Elizabeth (Mike) Minardi; dear brother of Ronald (Mary) Thomas, Donald (JoAnn) Thomas, and Mary (the late David) Schlautmann; treasured great-grandfather of four and step-great-grandfather of 14; and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Robert was also preceded in death by his step-grandson, Michael Surrisi. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Brother Thomas’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.