Richard Arlin “Bobo” Thomas, 87, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at Heartland of Bucyrus.
Born on March 14, 1929 at his Siegfried grandparents’ home in Springfield Township, Richland County, Richard was the eldest of nine children of the late Emerson Walter Thomas and Bertha Alice (Siegfried) Thomas.
The Thomas family farmed near State Route 97 until the City of Mansfield purchased the property when creating Clear Fork Reservoir. After a two-year stay on other family land in Springfield Township, Richard and his family moved in 1949 to Crestline, where he spent his adulthood living with his parents until moving to the county nursing home in Bucyrus around 2002.
Richard was a familiar presence to many around Crestline. He worked for a time at the Equity, moved lawns, did janitorial work and worked for a number of years at Waycraft Industries.
More of a night owl than an early bird, Bobo would often ride-along with Crestline Police on the night shift. His heart was in Crestline and his wish for a drive-through just to see it once more was realized just a few weeks ago.
Family remembers Dick often saying he was going to Florida whenever some local situation exasperated him, a prediction which was never realized. Uncle Dick was famous among nieces for never being able to get names straight but he always remembered we were family and for many years we all could count on receiving birthday wishes from him in the form of a card.
Richard suffered patiently with his cancer complaining of pain only if asked. He continued to play Bingo for recreation and often thought of others when sharing his prizes. He was visibly moved whenever some friend or family would visit or remember him with a card or phone call.
He is survived by his two sisters: Ilo Bertin, of Alabama, and Helen Kiser, of Iberia; and his two brothers: Lowell, of Arizona, and Carl, of Lexington.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his four brothers, Paul, Donald, Ray and Harold.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at the Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home, 223 W. Main St., Crestline, with Pastor Scott Willman officiating. Burial will follow in Shauck Cemetery, Johnsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kindred Foundation, 680 South Fourth St., Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, or the charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at masfh.com.
