Dr. Robert Johnson Thomas, 83, died on Friday November 27th in Tucson, Arizona. He was born December 22, 1931, in Frederick, Maryland the son of the late Dr. Edward P .and Louise Firmin Thomas. He attended Frederick public schools and graduated from Mercersburg Academy. He received degree from Washington and Lee University in 1954 and graduated University of Maryland Medical School in 1959. After many years of residency he returned to Frederick in 1964 where he began his general surgical practice. He had always been interested in Forensic Medicine and Occupational Medicine. He served as the Deputy Medical Examiner for Frederick County for 20 years. He was the Medical Review Officer for numerous businesses in Frederick. He was also the Medical Director of Eastalco Aluminum Company for almost 32 years. For some 15 years he was the Medical Director of Program Resources a contractor for the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Thomas along with the administration of Frederick Memorial Hospital was instrumental in developing the Occupational Health Services of Frederick Memorial Hospital. He served as Medical Director for 5 years, and then concentrated on marketing and physician as needed. He retired from his active surgery practice after 30 years. During his years in practice he has been a counselor for the State Medical Society, a member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. He is a past president of the Frederick Co. Medical Society, former Chief of the Medical Staff of Frederick Memorial Hospital, and past member of the Board of Trustees of Frederick Memorial Hospital. Bob, RJ, Doc, was a hard working man who was very loving and generous to his family and friends. He was an avid newspaper reader. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, new and old, but was disappointed that he never broke 90 on the course. He was always interested in people and meeting "his new best friend." Once he retired he enjoyed traveling the US and it’s northern border. He loved Frederick and always looked forward to coming home. He is survived by his loving wife Gail, a sister Louise Cooley and her husband Dr. Denton Cooley, two daughters Cindy Whaling and Cathy Spencer; two step sons Michael Barnes and his wife Karen Barnes, Christopher Barnes and his wife Jody Barnes; eight grandchildren- Forrest Whaling, Rob Whaling, Catherine Whaling, Austin Whaling, Justin Spencer, Allison Spencer, Michael Barnes, Dylan Barnes. He was also survived by 7 nieces and 1 nephew and many great nieces and nephews, will be fondly remembered. He had a special relationship with Anne, Sue, Patty, and Stevie. He was preceded in death by his brother, Senator Edward P. Thomas, Jr. Funeral services and interment will be private. A celebration of his life will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, December 14, 2015, at the Francis Scott Key American Legion, 1450 Taney Ave., Frederick. Arrangements are with the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Frederick. The family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to Frederick County Alzheimer’s Association 108 Byte Drive #103, Frederick, MD. 21702. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
