Robert J. Thomas

Robert Jerry Thomas, age 55, of Kettering passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2024. He was born in Dayton on October 24, 1969 to parents Jerry and Aline Thomas. Rob is preceded in death by his mother, Aline.

He is survived by his sons, Nicolaus (Madilyn) Welz, Noah Welz; father, Jerry Thomas; sister, Paula (Yatin) Desai; nieces, Anar (Adam) Wagner, Tara (Matt) Thompson; along with many other family and friends.

Rob was a loving, devoted father of two boys, Nicolaus Robert and Noah Robert who were the absolute light of his life. His love for them shone on his face whenever he talked about them; being their dad was his driving force. He never missed a chance to catch a Cowboys game or throw a football around with Nick and Noah. Rob seized as many opportunities as he could to coach the boys in football. Second to the Cowboys, he attended many Ohio State Buckeyes’ games, in addition to countless other football games and stadiums all over the US. 

His passion for music was infinite, whether it was jamming at home to his favorites bands like Rush and Pink Floyd, catching some jazz/smooth blues like that of B.B. King, playing instruments or attending Live concerts. Music was the sound of his soul, an unmatched universal language he spoke and understood. Rob was quick to lend a hand when someone needed a band-mate or back-up strings; most recently for Queen Cover Band, traveling and working as an apprentice. 

Rob enjoyed the simple things in life; Thanksgiving and Christmas being his favorite holidays and bonfires in the backyard. He found peace and adventure, spending many family vacations on Norris Lake and the beachy sands of Florida. He was self-made and well known for his painting business and professionalism. He was a creative, free spirit that could not be contained by this world - often seeing the beauty around us that others overlook. We will always keep Rob in our hearts and alive in the endless stories and times we’ve shared together with laughter. In his honor, we will always be rooting: GO COWBOYS! 🏈 

A memorial service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Needmore Road Church of Christ, 2211 Needmore Rd. Pastor Richard Melson to officiate. Family encourages everyone to wear football or band attire to honor Rob. 

To share a memory of Rob or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.