Robert "Bob" Sherman Thomas

Robert Sherman Thomas, age 81 of Spring Lake, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019. He was born on September 28, 1937 in Detroit, MI to Charles and Margaret Thomas.

Bob was a life-long resident of the Tri-Cities area and graduated from Grand Haven High School, where he played as a starting lineman for the 1953 non-defeated football team under Coach Gene Rothi. Bob then went on to Western Michigan University and University of Michigan, after which time he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

He was employed at Davidson Plyforms in Grand Rapids, serving as their CEO and President, and later, managed Craftwood Industries in Holland until his retirement. Bob had many accomplishments, but the one he was most proud of was the Rothi Football Field at Grand Haven Senior High School and serving on the Gene Rothi Endowment Fund Board.

He enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and was a die-hard U of M fan. Bob’s most fond memories were traveling with his wife, Joan, to Ireland and many other parts of the world, and spending time with his great-grandchildren.

Bob is lovingly remembered and missed by his daughter, Vicki (John) Weaver of Whitehall, MI; grandchildren, Scott Weaver and John (Becky) Weaver; great-grandchildren, Ryann and Kaley Weaver; sister, Nancy (Bob) Grossman; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Kent) Thomas on December 9, 2017; one brother; and two sisters.

The Celebration of Life for Bob will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor John Brown officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society of Michigan or Hospice of North Ottawa Community.

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