Bob Keith Thomas

July 6, 1933 - March 9, 2026

Bob Keith Thomas, beloved dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa passed away peacefully on March 9th, 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 later attended the local junior college while also working at AT&T. He decided, instead of waiting to be drafted into the Army, he preferred joining the Air Force and eventually became a pilot simulator trainer. He always had many stories to tell of his time in the Air Force, especially serving in Germany where he could travel throughout Europe on weekends.

Upon Bob’s return to the states, he visited his parents in Downey, California. Bob never intended to stay in Downey but was looking forward to returning to Iowa. However, God had a different plan and a better one! After being honorably discharged, Bob reported back to work with AT&T but Iowa didn’t have any work. It was California that was booming. So, from that point on California became his permanent state of residence. 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 later joined the Downey Fire Department in July 1960. He was stationed at the original Station 1 that was located on Downey Ave and Phlox. He would later become an Engineer and finally Captain serving primarily at Station 2 and Station 3.

Bob especially enjoyed being active at the First Baptist Church of Downey where he became a favorite bus driver to Hume Lake, winter camp, choir tours, and trips to the beach. Every now and then Bob’s bus would take a detour to the nearest place for ice cream! No wonder the kids loved being on his bus!

Bob also taught Fire Science classes at Rio Hondo College and the ROTC program with DUSD. He could be frequently seen at Warren High School football games with the rig and crew just to see his daughters cheering on the sidelines. He enjoyed coaching baseball with DJAA while his son Charlie played and had a summer ski club teaching kids how to waterski.

In his 40’s Bob took to running and between 1978 at the age of 45 until he was well into his 70’s, 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 would always say, that’s because there were only four runners in that category!

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 over thirty beautiful 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 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 Linscott 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 11th @ 10AM at the First Baptist Church of Paso Robles.