Robert Thomas, Jr.

Robert Thomas Jr passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026 at the age of 76. He was born August 13, 1949 the oldest child of Robert Pitts Thomas Sr. and Janie Mitchell Thomas of Gibsland Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, R. P. and Janie, as well as his younger sister Nell Thomas Duncan. He is survived by his sister Susan Thomas Williams, nephews Oliver Williams and family, as well as Sterling Williams and family. Nephews Ted Duncan, Tim Duncan and family, Todd Duncan and his children. As well as many networks of lifelong friends.

Robert started life as an adventurous child, who fearlessly explored the woods around Gibsland with his friends. It was with that pack of tight knit buddies, that he developed an early love for hunting that would continue throughout his life. He was very involved with Boyscouts early in life, earning the rank of Life. He graduated from Gibsland High School in 1967. He was never one for sitting still, so he raced to finish his degree in Business Ag. from Louisiana Tech in 1970. Robert followed in his father’s footsteps farming sweet potatoes all over Bienville Parish. The sweet potatoes he and his father raised were prized throughout the country. They even supplied the U. S. Army, and Gerber Baby food. Robert would climb off the tractor, and sometimes, into an 18 wheeler to deliver their harvests to grocery stores throughout the state and country. He continued his life on the back of a tractor well into his 70’s.

For the few days a year that Robert was able to step away from the fields, he would leave Louisiana to attend Indy Car races across the country. Robert charmed his way across security lines so many times, that he was able to develop a friendship with almost every race team on the circuit, most especially the Ed Carpenter Race team. ECR took Robert on as a defacto team member, and even had a fire suit and headset ready for him in the pit. These friends who became family would travel down annually to visit with Robert, and hunt the woods that he held so dear. Robert was a lifelong hunter, and anything that walked, ran, or flew appeared in his cross hairs at some point in his life.

In his later years, he took immense joy in continuing his love for working the land. Anyone who was lucky enough to be the recipient of sweet corn and tomatoes from his garden knew that his love for agriculture was a God given talent. He passed on the farming legacy to his nephew Oliver, and wife Aubrey who work that same garden in his honor and now memory. He took joy in teaching his great nephews Trip and Levi the art of driving tractors from an early age.

Robert served as a deacon with First Baptist Gibsland, the church he grew up in, for many years. He was also in the Lions club of Gibsland.

Visitation will be at Gibsland First Baptist on August 13, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The funeral will also be at Gibsland First Baptist Church on Friday, August 14th, at 10 AM. Robert will be laid to rest at the Gibsland Cemetery directly following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude, Indy Car Ministries, or the Louisiana Baptist Children’s home.