Robert Theodore Thomas, Sr.

Robert Theodore Thomas, Sr., 85, Moses Lake resident, passed away Saturday, Jan. 15, at McKay Healthcare in Soap Lake. Memorial services with military honors will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 at Kayser's Chapel of Memories with Pastor Dave Chandler officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

Robert was born June 22, 1919 in Enid, Okla., son of the late Thomas and Florence (Oringdorff) Ketron. He was raised and educated in Missouri and Kansas. During his youth he served with the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked on several projects in the Northwest including the John Day Dam camp.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and was first stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. in the medical corps. He served in the European Theater during WW II, receiving the Purple Heart. He remained in Germany following the war and helped with the reconstruction of Germany's new government. He was married to N. Eloise Collins on February 12, 1950. He served in the Korean Conflict, receiving the Bronze Star. He was later stationed in Japan where he received a commendation as the company commander. He was qualified for the Army National Rifle Competition team and as a paratrooper. He retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army in 1961 at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Robert had homesteaded in the Alaskan Territory in 1958, before statehood. Following his military retirement, he and Eloise, with their family, continued to live in Alaska. He was active in the Lion's Club, the PTA, and was very instrumental in helping to organize parents to start a high school in Chugiak, Alaska.

They moved to Spokane in 1973 where he pursued a career in real estate, receiving several awards for sales. He later opened his own real estate office.

They moved to Moses Lake in 1995 and have lived here since. He always was involved in community service projects.

He is survived by his loving wife, N. Eloise Thomas, Moses Lake; four children, Nancee Thomas, Moses Lake, Dr. Debbie Thomas, DVM, Puyallup, Pat Thomas, Naches and Robert "Bob" Thomas, Jr., Tonasket; and three grandchildren.