Robert "Bob" Lee Thomas Jr.

Robert “Bob” Lee Thomas Jr., 48, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023, at his home. He was born on April 29, 1975, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Robert Lee Thomas Sr. and Marjorie (Shreckengaust) Thomas, who preceded him in death.

Bob spent his early childhood in Kansas City before moving to Odessa, MO, and graduating from Odessa High School in 1994. On August 5, 1998, in Sedalia, MO, he was united in marriage to Barb McDonnell. Through this union, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Cecilia Ann Thomas, who resides in Cole Camp, MO. Though separated, they remained friends and co-parents. He spent most of his working years at Duke Manufacturing in Sedalia, MO.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His favorite ways to spend weekends were in the great outdoors. In the spring, he enjoyed looking for mushrooms, snagging, and catching crappie. In the summer, he spent lots of time at the lake boating, fishing, and enjoying the water. Come fall, he enjoyed getting out and looking for deer, whether it be cruising the gravel roads, just seeing them in the fields, or getting out hunting. Bob also enjoyed the snow in the winter, so long as he could admire it from inside with the heater on. He also loved to cook, especially to smoke and cure meat. Many would testify he had the best chili recipe they’ve ever had. He would never show up empty-handed to a gathering, usually with something homemade and ready to share. Bob would always say he wasn’t a people person but could spend hours talking to an old friend and would go long out of his way to help a stranger find an item at the grocery store. He would never fail to provide a goofy joke or fun fact about some random bird or how much cyanide was in an almond.

Though his views on the world might often seem cynical, for those that got the honor of knowing him, he was an easygoing and compassionate friend and a devoted father. Even for those who only met him in passing, his good-natured spirit and willingness to help in any way he can could brighten a day. He will be dearly missed by every person whose life he touched.

Survivors include his daughter, Cecilia Thomas; his father, R.L. Thomas (Ellie) of Virginia; a sister, Stacy Eichman of Kansas City, MO; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Thomas.

A celebration of life gathering with family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at Rea Funeral Chapel, 1001 S. Limit, Sedalia, MO. A time of sharing for family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m. Everyone would enjoy hearing your stories about the times you shared with Bob. A microphone will be available, or you may have it written down for someone else to share.

Bob spent much of his time outdoors on public lands. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.