C. Robert Thomas

Charles Robert (Bob) Thomas 91, of Estero, FL died Thursday, February 7, 2019 at his residence. He was born November 30, 1927 in Riverside, NJ the son of the late Charles A. and Esther E. (John) Thomas. A former resident of Madison, NJ, he has resided in Southwest Florida since 1991. He was a World War II veteran having served in the US Army. After returning home from service, he joined Exxon Oil Company where he would spend his entire career, retiring in 1985. During his tenure with Exxon, he spent time in Holland, Germany, Sicily, Brazil and England. He served as Vice President of Exxon Brazil and also served as head of Exxon’s Lube Oil Production for the world. Bob was a real family man and his family meant the world to him. He made sure that they could join him in whatever country he was posted. Before accepting a position, he would check to make sure there were quality local schools to ensure his children had a quality education. He was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, Charter member of the Estero Rotary Club and served on the board at the Literacy Council Gulf Coast Bonita Springs. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Elsillia Nobile Thomas; one son, Eric Aubrey Thomas; two daughters, Barbara Thomas and Sandra Oglesby; three grandchildren, Charles Michael Thomas, Stephanie Kasloski and Liam Bryant-Thomas and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Ella. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marjorie Folk; his son, Charles Stephen Thomas; his daughter, Marianne Thomas and his grandson, Zachary Thomas. A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community 19680 Cypress View Dr., Ft. Myers, FL 33967. Burial with military honors will be held in the Church Memorial Garden. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Our Lady of Light Catholic Community. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are under the directions of Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated.

C. Robert Thomas

November 30, 1927 - February 7, 2019