Funeral service for Robert W “Bob” Thomas, 81, of Gridley, will be held Tuesday, June 2nd at 10am. The

service will be held in the Gazebo at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.

Bob passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 25, 2026, on the day of his favorite holiday,

Memorial Day.

Bob was born in the Gridley Stork Retreat to Clarence Thomas and Zelda Stapleton-Thomas. He attended

Gridley schools, graduating from Gridley High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States

Navy in 1963, attending boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Following boot camp, Bob married the love of his life, Juanita. They were married on September 23rd of

the same year. Shortly after they were married, Bob was stationed at Millington Naval Base in

Tennessee. There they enjoyed the arrival of the first of their three children, Vicki Marie. After

graduating ADJ school, they were transferred to Moffett Field in San Jose. While they were there, they

welcomed their second child Robert Efton “Bob”.

Bob was honorably discharged in 1967 and went to work for Boeing Airlines in Seattle Washington as a

jet mechanic. While at Boeing, Bob was invited to apply for a mechanics position at the Gridley-Biggs

Cemetery. With the opportunity to be closer to family, Bob accepted the position in 1968. After coming

to California and settling in Gridley, Bob and Juanita welcomed their third child, Valerie Kaye, in July of

the same year.

Bob continued his service with the cemetery, working his way up to manager. He took great pride in his

37 years of service to the community. During the time he was manager, he was able to start an

endowment fund and an assessment district. He also started and served as the first president of the

Northern California Public Cemetery Association.

While working, Bob noticed that more attention was needed for our veteran’s. On May 27 th , 1996, with

the help of the local VFW and the American Legion, Bob’s vision became a reality. Following retirement

Bob enjoyed riding horses and his Harley with Juanita.

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and his sisters Charlene and Gerry Jean.

Bob leaves behind his best friend and love of his life, Juanita. His children Vicki Smith (Edson) of Gridley,

Robert E “Bob” Thomas and Blaise of Casino Australia, and Valerie Ashley of Gridley. 9 grandchildren and

22 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name can be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

The family would also like to thank the amazing nurses and support staff at Orchard Hospital for the

kindness, generosity and genuine love shown to us while there. We truly appreciate all the big and little

things done for and on behalf of our Husband, Father, Pappa Bob.