Living

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  • Gender Male 
    Notes 
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this note - Details withheld.
    Person ID I14222  Complete
    Last Modified 13 Jun 2020 

    Father Roy Richard Thomas,   b. 1926, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Nov 2020, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 94 years) 
    Mother Carol Jean Wehrwein,   b. 28 Mar 1929, Plymouth, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, U.S.A Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Mar 2017, Lakeside Terrace Condominium, Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years) 
    Married 9 Sep 1950  Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Michigan Marriages, 1867-1952: "Roy Richard Thomas, age 23 b. Indianapolis, IN, father: Roy Elmer Thomas mother: Iva Florence Deal, resides: Lakeland, Polk County, FL, & Carol Jean Wehrwein, age 21 b. Plymouth, WI, father: Carl Frederick Wehrwein mother: Jennie Leona Wensink, resides: :akeland, Polk County, FL; m. 9 Sep 1950 Detroit, Wayne County."
    Notes 
    • Carol has no brothers and sisters and her mother did not drive. Therefore, when Carol's father suffered a fatal heart attack in Dec 1967, Carol needed to be closer to northern Virginia where Jennie Wehrwein lived. In the summer of 1968, the family moved from Colorado to Maryland.

      Roy Richard Thomas
    Photos
    Thomas Family gathering honoring Roy and Carol (2006)
    Thomas Family gathering honoring Roy and Carol (2006)

    "Had a great time last weekend w/ mini family reunion. Russ was here on b'ness, and Sue decided to drive up from Tennessee to join the fun. Thus, rare opportunity for all six of us to be in one place at the same time, along w/ some of the spouses and kids. Sue, Steve, Russ, and I took advantage of the event to celebrate Dad's 80th B-day (1 Dec) and Mom and Dad's 56th wedding anniversary (9 Sept) by SURPRISING THEM w/ a written tribute thanking them for being our parents."

    Robert Carroll Thomas Fall 2006
    Roy and Carol Thomas, 56th Wedding Anniversary (2006)
    Roy and Carol Thomas, 56th Wedding Anniversary (2006)

    L to R: Steven, Carol, Susan, Roy, Robert, Russell in a Greek restaurant, Bethesda, Montgomery County, MD 20817
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Thomas Family Meets the Howards, Cross Keys, Baltimore, MD
    Thomas Family Meets the Howards, Cross Keys, Baltimore, MD

    December 2008

    l to r: Susan Treadway - Dave Howard - Bob Thomas - Roy Richard Thomas - Susan Howard - Steven Thomas
    Family ID F47  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 1 Debra Sue Gifford,   b. 28 May 1960, Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 30 Nov 2014, Springfield, Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 54 years) 
    Children 
     1. Living
     2. Living
    Photos
    Robert Carroll Thomas family - Left to Right: Alan, Debra, Robert, and Jeffrey (2003)
    Robert Carroll Thomas family - Left to Right: Alan, Debra, Robert, and Jeffrey (2003)
    Last Modified 8 Dec 2014 
    Family ID F6213  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 2 Carie Lynn Sprowls 
    Photos
    Robert and Carie Thomas Family, Christmas, 2019
    Robert and Carie Thomas Family, Christmas, 2019

    Botanical Gardens, Washington, DC
    Carie and Robert Thomas
    Carie and Robert Thomas
    Last Modified 10 Aug 2020 
    Family ID F8653  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Photos
    L to R:  Russell, Robert, & Steven thomas, Pueblo CO
    L to R: Russell, Robert, & Steven thomas, Pueblo CO
    Thomas Cat & tulips, Pueblo CO
    Thomas Cat & tulips, Pueblo CO
    Robert Carroll Thomas (1960- )
    Robert Carroll Thomas (1960- )

    Bob gives a military salute at historic Fort Garland CO. Mount Blanca, elevation 14345 feet, is in the background.
    Robert Carroll Thomas Monte Vista CO
    Robert Carroll Thomas Monte Vista CO
    L to R:  Russell, Carol, & Robert Thomas, Monte Vista CO
    L to R: Russell, Carol, & Robert Thomas, Monte Vista CO

    MEMORIES OF CAROL JEAN WEHRWEIN THOMAS BY ROBERT CARROLL THOMAS (son)

    I have many, many fond memories of my Mom. The earliest were from Monte Vista, Colorado - which was a great place to be a little kid! Lots and lots of wide open spaces surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The Thomas kids would spend hours and hours outdoors - exploring the small town on bikes, playing sports in the yard, playing in the snow (lots and lots of snow!), etc. And when it was dinner time, Mom would stand on the back porch and blow a whistle, which meant we'd better stop whatever we were doing and head home. I also remember getting "the eye" from Mom in church when she would give us that "you'd better straighten up" look from the choir loft as we were fidgeting or talking in the pews - or worse yet, rolling pencils on the wooden floor under the pews during the service.

    Our move from the idyllic, Mayberry-type environment of Monte Vista to the hustle and bustle of Lanham MD was a big change for the entire family. While I did not personally witness this specific event, I heard about Mom driving several times through the clover leaf-style entrance/exit ramps near our apartment onto the highway, unsure of when and/or how to proceed to her desired destination. Her directional strategy seemed to be: "When in doubt, just keep driving forward and eventually you'll figure it out". But despite moving to such a large, chaotic and at times overwhelming new city, and working full time, Mom still worked tirelessly to ensure we had a nice meal on the table every night, clean clothes and sheets, and a clean home to enjoy. That's just what you did - you show up every day, do your job(s) to the best of your ability, and you never give up. Ever.

    Fast forward to our next move to Rockville MD. I was in the fifth grade, and joined the neighborhood tackle football team which practiced at the elementary school field across the street from our townhouse. After one of the early practices during which I failed to perform to the coach's high standards and he informed me of this fact in a very loud voice (ie, yell), I went home and announced to Mom that I was quitting the team. She would have none of it. I forget her exact words, but she informed me that I was showing up the next day at practice and would perform to the best of my ability, because you should never give up. Ever.

    And so I did show up the next day at practice. And the day after. And the day after. And I did my best and gradually improved to the point that I progressed from last to first string. But during the process, I learned a very important life lesson - you show up every day, you do your best at whatever the task(s), and you never give up. Ever.

    Mom exemplified this principle throughout her life, and I'm forever grateful for her example. Her life was not easy, and she overcame many, many challenges because of her determination. I think her strategy for driving actually works in all areas of life - "When in doubt, just keep driving forward and eventually you'll figure it out."


    MEMORIES OF CAROL JEAN WEHRWEIN THOMAS BY CARIE THOMAS

    It was almost a year ago that I met Carol for the first time. We met at one of her favorite restaurants. During dinner, Carol showed me family pictures and told me stories about the different family members. She was very proud of her family.
    A few weeks later I met Carol for the second time. Bob and I had been at a golf tournament in Maryland. After being in the hot sun all day, we needed to freshen up before we met one of Bob’s friends for dinner. Roy and Carol opened up their home to us so we could freshen up and relax before we met John. Carol was very generous and made sure that we had everything that we needed to get ready.
    I am so thankful that I got to see Carol during this last year. She was always kind to me and welcomed me into the Thomas family
    L to R:  Steven, Robert, & Susan Thomas, Mesa Verde CO
    L to R: Steven, Robert, & Susan Thomas, Mesa Verde CO
    Robert Carroll Thomas (1960- ) & Debra Sue Gifford (1960-2014)
    Robert Carroll Thomas (1960- ) & Debra Sue Gifford (1960-2014)

    Promotion to Major
    Robert Carroll Thomas
    Robert Carroll Thomas