Robert Thomas, 95
Robert Thomas, 95 of Freeman, S.D., passed away Jan. 1, 2025 at the Freeman Regional Nursing Home. A funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the E.M.B. Church of rural Marion, S.D. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the church.
Robert Thomas, the second of three boys, was born on June 12, 1929 to Caleb and Ruth Ratzlaff Thomas of the rural Freeman/Marion area. Robert’s early education was completed at the District #68 Sunflower School. He then graduated from Freeman Academy. When Robert knew that he may be drafted into the military he signed up for Voluntary Service through Mennonite Central Committee. He was placed at Brooklane Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland for the duration of two years as an orderly. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there making lasting friendships. The reunions of fellow service workers were a highlight and much anticipated by him. His family enjoyed hearing of the “adventures” he had during his term of service. While there he met a young woman by the name of Dorothy Jane Miller who was also doing MCC Voluntary Service.
Robert and “Jane” were married on Dec. 14, 1956 in Jane’s home community of Gulfport, Miss. They established a home in the Marion area and later moved to the homeplace where Robert set up a dairy and Thomas Hampshires which he operated for nearly 60 years. The homeplace is where Robert and Jane raised their five children.
Robert was an active member of the EMB church and served in various positions. He loved to sing and was a part of several groups. Robert was one of the first Hampshire sheep producers in SD to register his flock. This practice continues today as his son and grandson continue to raise registered Hamps and promote the industry. In his retirement, Robert enjoyed fishing and starting fruit trees.
To cherish his memory are son Stan and wife Cathy; son Allen (Amos); daughter Kristine and husband Rev. Jason Haas with their children Rev. Tim (Jessica), Tabitha (Ben), Toby (Courtney), Tiffany and Thomas; son Philip, wife Joline and son Jaden; and daughter Marcelle and Mark Brackenbury with daughters Marie and Anna. Great grandchildren include Emma, Bethany, Levi, Marcus, Marley, Lillymae and baby boy due in February.
He was preceded in death by his parents Caleb and Ruth; wife Jane; his brothers and their wives Duane and Lena, Kenneth and Ruth and nephew Byron.
