Robert L. "Bob" Thomas

Robert L. “Bob” Thomas, 90, of Callaway, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Callaway Good Life Center. Bob was born March 13, 1925, in Dorchester, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Grace (Hickenbotham) Thomas. He was raised by his dad and stepmother, Jennie and grew up in the Crete and Dorchester areas. He moved to Callaway as a junior in high school, graduating from Callaway High School in 1943. On June 21, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII, serving in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged on June 20, 1947. He then served in the Army Reserves for many years, retiring as Captain. He was united in marriage to Toshiko “Betty” Okutsu on March 29, 1947, at Fort Kam, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Two daughters were blessed to this marriage; Carolyn and Susanne. The couple returned to Callaway after their marriage, where he worked for the railroad, repaired watches and clocks, was a rural mail carrier for 35 years, and owned and operated Bob’s Radio & TV Service for quite a few years. Folks will also remember he ran the Star Theater and served as the town’s policeman for many years. Always active, Bob was a 32nd degree Mason with the Parian Masonic Lodge, #207, and the Tehama Shrine, a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #59, member of the Elks Club, and was a Ham Radio operator with the call letters K0CGM. He enjoyed carpentry work, hunting, fishing, camping, target shooting, golfing, and playing pool at the senior center. One of his greatest joys was going out target shooting with family and friends. Bob is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Tingle of Kearney, Nebraska, Susanne (Lynn) Longmore of Callaway, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Melissa Tingle of Kearney, Nebraska, Brett (Angie) Longmore of Bonner Springs, Kansas, and, Blake (Amanda) Longmore of North Platte, Nebraska; five great-grandchildren, Maddy, Missy, Elliott, Evan and Elisha; three brothers, Lowell (Marilyn) Thomas of Littleton, Colorado, Floyd (Virginia) Thomas of Weatherford, Texas, and, Harold Thomas of Lincoln, Nebraska; one sister, Geraldine Tompkin of Lincoln, Nebraska, sister-in-law, Margie Shinn of Pearl City, Hawaii, brothers-in-law, Paul (Floy) Okutsu of Aiea, Hawaii and Seiji Okutsu of California; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Jennie, wife, Betty; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph & Margie Thomas and sister, Evelyn Ellis. Funeral Service will be Thursday, April 30, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church with Reverend Chad Boling officiating. Masonic Rites will be held at the church. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway. Burial with Military Honors will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Fire Department, Callaway American Legion Post #59, or 7 Valleys Senior Center. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.