Charles 'Bobby' Thomas

THEBES, Ill. — Charles Robert Thomas, 81, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at his home in Thebes.

Charles was born Jan. 7, 1941, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the son of Charles E. and Marjorie Thomas.

Bobby, as he was known to family, worked his entire life on the river. He was a riverboat captain and was excellent at his job. He was also known for his many stories about riverboat life. Bobby retired in 2016 due to health issues. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Bobby loved being at home with his family and fur babies; working in his shop creating birdhouses and wishing wells, which he gave to his friends; and eating breakfast at the Kozy Korner every morning visiting with his friends.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 46 years, Carolyn R. Thomas of Thebes; daughter, Sherry Thomas (Sean) Pecord of Miller City, Illinois; son, Robert Anthony (Tony) Thomas of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Ashlyn Brown of Miller City and Ilah Thomas and Logan Thomas of Jackson; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friends, Chewey, Charley, Baby and Linus; two sisters, Julia (Leonard) Harp of Gilbertsville, Kentucky, and Dona Jones of Mount Vernon, Illinois; sister-in-law, Sharon Burton Manker of Fruitland; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sisters and a brother, Lance Thomas.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and no public services will be held. Inurnment will take at Mound City National Cemetery.

Friends are invited to donate to PAWS in Anna, Illinois, or Safe Harbor in Jackson in his honor.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo, Illinois, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.