Robert Michael Thomas of Rapid City, SD died in his home on July 29, 2021 .

Rob was born April 7, 1948 in Albert Lea, MN to Frederick Orlan Thomas and Evelyn Ilene (Stevens) Thomas. He graduated from Central Senior High School in Albert Lea in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 where he served honorably. He married Cheryl Rosanne (Hutt) Lowe in 1971 and they were blessed with three children in addition to his stepdaughter.  He graduated from National College of Business in 1972 with a degree in computer science but really didn't enjoy the new technology as much as he enjoyed old westerns.  He went on to attend Farrier School and Saddle Making school and worked for the federal park service until his retirement in 2011.  He has worked on various projects over the years.  His last project was restoring an old Studebaker buggy from the 1800's. He was Junior Vice Commander of the DAV Rapid City Chapter 3 and enjoyed making leather gifts for the patients in the VA.  His friend Don Hopkins once submitted his leatherwork to a fair without him knowing and Rob ended up winning some ribbons and money.  Rob was also involved in the Threshing Bee, Cast Iron Cooking Club, a Leatherworking club, and various other things. He loved keeping busy and never knew a stranger.  His best advice: "Don't go to sales while on pain medication, you'll end up buying a tractor."  Rob will be missed by his many friends and family, but God has called him home to paradise where he will no longer be in pain.

He is survived by his stepfather and mother, Dwyne and Evelyn Degn of Albert Lea, MN, brothers Kenneth Thomas (Gwen) of Ladson, South Carolina, Scot Degn of Forest Lake, MN, Jerry Degn (Carolyn) of Bloomington, MN  and sister Julie Polton and her husband Karl Frie of Phoenix, AZ, brother in law Roger Trappe of Donna, TX,  daughter Stacy Moorhead (John Hudson) of Rapid City, SD, Shannon Thomas (Julie Farrell) of Rapid City, SD, Stephanie Hernandez (Rudy) of Cibolo, TX , numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He was especially thrilled to meet his grandson Bailey Thomas for the first time in recent months, but "Papa Rob" loved all his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, his sister Candace Trappe and his daughter Sheila Ann Thomas.

Military Honors will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery on August 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m .