Robert Weller Thomas

Robert Weller Thomas, 90, of Meadville, died Friday, March 2, 2012, three days before his 91st birthday.

He was preceded in death by Louise Parsons Thomas, his beloved wife of 68 years, who died in January of this year.

Born in Meadville on March 5, 1921, Robert was the son of Beulah Graul Thomas and Robert Weller Thomas, Sr.

He graduated from Meadville High School in 1939 and Allegheny College in 1943, where he received a degree in business. It was at Allegheny that he met his wife, Louise, whom he married on Oct. 23, 1943.

During World War II, Robert served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Anne Arundel. He commanded a landing craft at Omaha Beach on D-day. He later served in the Pacific theater.

Following the war, Robert returned to Meadville in 1946, where he joined McCrosky Tool Corporation. He became president in 1956 and later chief executive officer until his retirement in 1986.

Noted for his community service, Robert was a member of Stone United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, served on the board of directors of the Meadville Housing Corporation; as vice president of the board of corporators and chairman of the finance committee of the former Meadville City Hospital; as a charter member of the Meadville Jaycees; a former member of the Meadville Chamber of Commerce; on the board of directors and as fund chairman of the United Way of Western Crawford County, member of Meadville Masonic Lodge 408, and former member of the Noontime Rotary Club of Meadville, Literary Union and Meadville Country Club. He was active in the local chapter of the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America, French Creek Valley.

In a business and professional capacity he served on the advisory board of Mellon Bank, formerly Northwest Pennsylvania Bank and Trust Company. He also served on the board of directors of the American Society of Metals Trade Association, board of governors of the Metal Cutting Tool Institute Trade Association, and as chairman of the National Technical Standards Committee.

Always modest about his participation, Robert commented to a Meadville Tribune reporter in 1986 that “There are just certain things that need to be done, and things you feel you have experience in and can help with. They are always looking for someone to pick it up and help carry it forward.”

Most of all, Robert was a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, and avid golfer.

He is survived by his three children—his son, Dr. Christopher Thomas and his wife Charlotte of Meadville; his daughter Molly Lundquist and her husband Peter of Pittsburgh; his daughter Janet Kenney and her husband Pete of Molina, Colo.; also, by his three grandchildren, Jeffrey Thomas and his wife Monica; David Thomas; and Dana Lundquist.

He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Mountsier and her husband Steve of Barrington, Ill.; his nephew Thomas Mountsier of San Jose, Calif., niece, Amy Wahl of Carey, Ill; and his cousins Virginia Shaffer of Marin County, Calif., John Shaffer and wife Susan, formerly of Meadville, and Stuart Shaffer of San Diego, Calif.

A private interment will be held with family members. The family will hold a reception for friends and community on April 14th at a time and location to be announced.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, PA 16335 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share your memories and condolences at waidfuneralhome.net.