Robert Denzel Thomas

Robert “Bob” Thomas, 90, went to be with his Savior Sunday morning, January 9, 2010 at his residence in Durant, OK. Bob was born in Okmulgee, OK, February 8, 1920 to Denny B. and Lula Idela Thomas. A two time all state football player at Okmulgee High School, he attended Tulsa University on a football scholarship in 1940 and in 1941 played in the Sun Bowl on the championship Tulsa squad before entering the U.S. Army in 1942. During his tenure with the Army, Bob landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day and later earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart serving 28 months in combat in several campaigns throughout Europe. After the war Bob returned to Tulsa University playing an additional 2 years including the Sun Bowl in 1945 before graduating in 1947. Bob started his vocation as a teacher and coach in 1947 at Vinita as the head football coach eventually becoming the head coach for Okmulgee and then Elk City, OK. Bob was the first Oklahoma All State player to return and coach an all state team coaching the North all stars in 1949. Bob married Erma Shaffer in 1949 and they were married for a loving 61 years. In 1962 Bob arrived in Durant and became Southeastern’s head football coach as well as track coach for the next 10 years. In 1971 Bob became Dean of Men for SOSU retiring in 1985. It is estimated that Bob coached over 1000 athletes throughout his career, several of these players becoming coaches themselves. Many of his players kept in touch with “Coach” throughout his life. In 2001 Bob was inducted in the Tulsa University Hall of Fame as part of the 1941 Sun Bowl Championship team and was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 1981.Bob was a faithful follower of his Savior Jesus Christ and he and wife Erma are long time members of the Community Christian Church of Durant, Bob serving as an Elder and Deacon over the years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Dorothy Holland. He is survived by his wife Erma of the home, daughters Stefani Wright of Spokane, WA, Mary Angeline Dinwiddie of Dallas, son Robert and wife Karyn Thomas of Tulsa, sisters Helen Brock, Doralea Dooley, Leota Markham, Cleota Hofmeister and brothers Denny Thomas and Benny Thomas all of Okmulgee, OK as well as 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Community Christian Church with Pastor Jim Blevins officiating and Pastor Jim Hodson delivering the eulogy. Memorials can be sent to Community Christian Church or SOSU Foundation Athletic Dept. Condolences may be sent to www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service Durant. PDF Printable Version

Robert Denzel Thomas

February 8, 1920 - January 9, 2011