Robert J. ‘Bob’ Thomas

On Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, Robert J. “Bob” Thomas, PhD, passed away from natural causes at 91.5 years old while surrounded by family. 

He was born March 30, 1930. 

A longtime cancer survivor, an educator and a collector of knowledge throughout his life, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Doris Ruth Thomas.

Surviving are son Andrew Thomas (wife Kathi) and daughter Sharon Williams; grandchildren Heather Thomas (husband Kyle), Brian Williams (wife Liz), Dustin Thomas (wife Ashley) and Derek Thomas; and great-grandchildren Jordan Thomas, Jack Thomas and Asher Williams.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, Mildred Pearl Robinson Thomas and Jay Clyde Thomas.

His degrees include: BA Physics, Oberlin 1952; MS Public Health (Recreation), Indiana University 1954; MS Physics, University of Illinois 1958; PhD Mathematics (related to computer science), University of Illinois 1964; Professional CDP (certificate in data processing). 

Bob taught at DePauw University for 33 years, first in pre-engineering and mathematics.  Having taught a course in computer science before DePauw even had a computer, the National Science Foundation paid for 60 percent of DePauw’s first computer (an IBM 1620), with the stipulation that he be made the director of the computer center.

Gradually he developed a minor in computer science within the math department and a computational math major. He was the sole professor for the first few computer science courses offered by DePauw and had the distinction of being the only professor of both mathematics and computer science.

A lifelong learner and educator at heart, he continued to design and teach new courses.  He prepared for a separate c.s. department, which was finalized right after he retired.

As part of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, picking up on his physics degrees and Spanish ability (taught to him by his mom), he received individual orders from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Maxwell Taylor, sending him to the Panama Canal Zone, Artillery Division. They needed him to design, write and teach a course, in Spanish, for the Latin American army officers on computer controlled anti-aircraft artillery operations.  

He was a lifelong international folk dancer (where he and his wife met).  He taught folk dancing at Indiana University, Purdue University and DePauw University, as well as with the Girl Scouts. He was a regular square dancer on the WTTV Channel 4 Saturday night Western show.

He was a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle. He was a member of Mensa, Triple Nine (99.9th percentile on selected intelligence tests), Indiana Plant and Wildlife Society, Mathematical Association of America and many other non-profit organizations, and he also served on the boards of many of them.

Hobbies included chess, duplicate bridge, road rallies, philately, archery, photography and fencing. He was taught piano by his grandmother and wrote numerous copyrighted musical compositions. He also wrote many copyrighted haikus and poems.

In lieu of flowers, Bob and his family ask that contributions be made to the DePauw Computer Science Founders Fund for Excellence, the American Cancer Society or to the Greencastle Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, with military honors and services starting at 2 p.m. with Wes Kendall officiating.

To help protect Bob’s great-grandchildren, masks are required. Please practice social distancing and refrain from hugs.

Burial of the cremains of Doris and Bob at Forest Hill Cemetery will be announced on the funeral home website when arranged.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.