Charles Robert Thomas

Charles Robert Thomas, 81, died peacefully at his home in Thebes on Sept. 10, 2022. 

He was born on Jan. 7, 1941, in Harrisburg, 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 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 in the U.S. Air Force.

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

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Carolyn R. Thomas of Thebes; daughter Sherry Thomas (Sean) Pecord of Miller City; son Robert Anthony (Tony) Thomas of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren Ashlyn Brown of Miller City, Ilah Thomas and Logan Thomas of Jackson, Mo., and three great-grandchildren. 

He also leaves behind his best friends, Chewey, Charley, Baby and Linus; two sisters, Julia (Leonard) Harp of Gilbertsville, Ky., and Dona Jones of Mt. Vernon; a sister-in-law, Sharon Burton Manker of Fruitland, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

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

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

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

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements. 

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