Robert Faye Thomas

Commander, US Navy, Retired

Command Thomas retired from the US Navy in 1971 after serving his country for 20 years as a Naval Aviator and Meteorologist. His active service spanned both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He has been awarded the Air Medal with Gold Star, China Service Medal, National Defense Medal with Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Star, Navy Expert Pistol Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. During his Naval career, CDR Thomas flew P2V Neptune Patrol Bombers with Patrol Squadron 22, was a flight instructor in Pensacola, graduated from the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, CA with a degree in Meteorology and Oceanography, served on board the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) as a Meteorologist, served with the Office Naval Weather Service in Washington, D.C., was the Assistant Office in Charge of the Naval Weather Facility in Yokosuka, Japan, and his final tour of duty was the Naval Material Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy, Washington, D.C.

Subsequent to retirement from the Navy, CDR Thomas has been a missionary to Japan, London, Honduras, the Philippines, and Cape Town, South Africa. He was also the principal of several Christian schools and the Dean and VP of Liberty Bible College in Pensacola, FL. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology, Masters Degrees in Religious Education and Counseling & Human Development, a Doctorate in Religious Education, and a PhD in Counseling – where he got his Dr. Bob name from. He presently was serving as the USA Director of the Arise & Shine Evangelist Association and past Commander of American Legion Post K-11 in Arcadia, FL, and is a member of the Desoto County Honor Guard.

CDR Thomas/Dr. Bob is survived by his wife Cozette, who he was married to for almost 75years, his 5 grown children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren. They lived in Arcadia, FL from 1977-1980 and returned permanently in 1993. They are active members of Pine Level Methodist Church in Arcadia, FL and are still very involved in World Missions.

Memorial Keepers (2)

Robert Faye Thomas