Bob K. Thomas 1933-2026

By Atascadero News · Thu Mar 26 2026

Bob Keith Thomas, beloved dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026. He dearly missed his wife Beverly, who preceded him in late December, and every night in his prayers would say “good night, Bev; I’m on my way.”

Bob was born on July 6, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa. His nickname was “bones” because he was always tall and thin. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, and during the winter months, ice skating and hockey. Bob accepted Jesus as his savior at the age of 12, and his faith remained steadfast his entire life. 

Bob graduated from East High School in Des Moines in 1951 and decided, instead of waiting to be drafted into the Army, he preferred joining the Air Force and eventually became a pilot simulator trainer during the Korean War era. He especially enjoyed his time in Germany, where he could travel throughout Europe on weekends. 

After being honorably discharged, Bob relocated to Downey, California, where he later met his wife, Beverly, on a blind date, and the two were married in 1958. They bought their first home in Downey for $11k!

Bob joined the Downey Fire Department in July 1960 and would later become an Engineer and finally Captain, serving until his retirement in July 1988. His career included teaching Fire Science classes at Rio Hondo College and the ROTC program for the Downey Unified School District. Bob and his wife, Beverly, would eventually move to Paso Robles to enjoy retirement. 

In his 40s, Bob took to running and between 1978 at the age of 45 until he was well into his 70s, Bob ran multiple half-marathons and his first marathon at the age of 70! His favorite run was the Disneyland half-marathon, where eventually he took 4th place for runners over 70. He often ran the Turkey Trot 5 K fundraiser for Paso Robles High School. Bob could be seen running all over Paso Robles.

In addition to running, Bob began to learn cross-stitch to pass the time at the fire station.  He won several Blue Ribbons from various state fairs and finished his last piece of artwork in 2025 for his 17th great-grandchild. Over the years, Bob had completed multiple cross-stitch pieces for his grandchildren, friends, and church, including The Last Supper that hangs in the foyer of Calvary Chapel Paso Robles. 

Bob was an active member at the First Baptist Church of Downey, frequently driving kids to Hume Lake, winter camp, or the beach. After relocating to Paso Robles, he and his wife joined the First Baptist of Paso Robles. Both Bob and Bev enjoyed working with the kids Awanas program, Vacation Bible School, and hosting in-house Bible studies. 

Bob was known for being young at heart, always a sense of humor, friendly and adventurous. He strived to serve Jesus in everything he did. For him, life was easy; just do the right thing. His truck bumper sticker said it all; “God said it, I believe it, that settles it,” and he truly lived by that.

Bob is survived by his children, Kelly Thomas Crowell, Karyn Thomas Flutts, Charles Thomas, grand-children Kris Linscott, Krystal Linscott Valdez, Julianne Linscott Manacmul, Jonathan Flutts, Josia Flutts Jolliff, Amy Crowell Miranda, Sara Thomas Kennedy, Emily, Isabelle, and Claire Thomas and 17 great-grandchildren. Bob and Beverly leave a beautiful legacy of love and family. 

Services for them will be Saturday, April 11, at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church of Paso Robles.