Robert W. Thomas, 89, of Ottumwa, died at 6:07 p.m. January 2, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

He was born September 17, 1928 in Keosauqua to Willis and Chloe Harbin Thomas. He married
Alta M. Rauer on October 5, 1951.

A graduate of Keosauqua High School, Bob earned a B.A. and M.A. from Northeast Missouri State and Doctor of Arts from Drake University. He taught at Ottumwa High School from 1954 to 1970. Bob had served as a consultant to 26 public school districts and had served as moderator and presenter for regional, state and national programs in English programs and ethics and professional programs. He was Dean of Arts and Sciences at Indian Hills Community College, retiring in 1995.

Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church, a member and past-president of Ottumwa Rotary Club and had served on the Ottumwa Planning and Zoning Commission.

Bob is survived by his wife, Alta; a brother-in-law, Richard Tucker of Fresno, CA; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Thomas; three sisters, Betty Hamman, Willa Tucker and Donna Hahn.
His body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jon Disburg officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Heartland Humane Society.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

.