Robert K. Thomas, age 80, passed away on October 3, 1998, in Provo, Utah.
He was born on July 22, 1918, to Zephaniah Davis Thomas and Lily Maud Rencher Thomas. On December 24, 1948, he married Shirley Ann Wilkes in the St. George LDS Temple.Bob spent his youth in Castle Gate, Utah, and Coos Bay, Oregon. During the years he was completing college, he worked as a welder in the Portland ship yards and as a cabinet maker. He earned a B.A. from Reed College, and M.A. from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in American Literature. He later received an honorary doctorate from Brigham Young University.
During the course of his 31-year career at BYU, he was Professor of English, founding director of the Honors Program and Academic Vice President. Bob was a consummate teacher who received a number of awards for his teaching. He also authored or co-authored a number of books including, "Out of the Best Books." Although he was a skillful speaker and administrator, Bob also delighted in working with his hands in his garden and his wood shop. His greatest loves were his church, his family and his students. A member of the LDS Church, he served in many positions including bishop, stake president and president of the Melbourne Australia Mission. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as a doting grandfather.
Robert is survived his wife, Shirley, of Provo; three children and their spouses: Cornel W. (Gretchen), Beatty, Nevada; Ryan L. (Ann), Orem, Utah; Angie T. Hinckley (Stuart), Salt Lake City, Utah; and 10 grandchildren: Cornel W. Thomas Jr., Erin A., Patrick R., Michael C., Megan C., and Caitlin B. Thomas, and Caroline, Robert S., Christine, and Bryant T. Hinckley. He was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Boyd, and by a grandson, Sean M. Thomas.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 7, 1998, at 1:30 p.m. in the Oakhills Stake Center, 925 East North Temple Dr., Provo. Friends may call at the stake center on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. or on Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to services. Services under the direction of Berg Mortuary, Provo. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery.
N 10/5 N 10/5