Robert Bland Thomas

Robert Bland Thomas, 96, of Fort Smith, died July 9, 2012, in Fort Smith. He was born Aug. 20, 1915, in Bonne Terre, Mo., to Richard Bland and Essie Estelle Long Thomas. He was retired as manager of Braniff Airline in Fort Smith, a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Aldersgate Sunday school class. He is survived by his wife, Marian Thomas of Fort Smith; two sons, James Thomas and wife, Debby, of Starkville, Miss., and Richard Thomas and wife, Lavona, of Rogers, Ark.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be Friday, July 13, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the Roebuck Chapel of First United Methodist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Mr. Thomas' body will be donated to medical science. The family will greet friends following the memorial in the Narthex of First United Methodist Church. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.