Robert Lee Thomas

Robert Lee Thomas was born on June 25, 1949, in Oneida, Arkansas, to the late John Luther Thomas and Lucy Mae Coley Thomas. He was the sixth of thirteen children, growing up in a large loving family that helped shape his strong values and deep sense of connection. At the age of 11, Robert accepted Christ as his Savior at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Russ. His faith remained an important foundation throughout his life. Robert peacefully departed this life on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 7:43 a.m., in the presence and love of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucy Thomas; his life partner Jerly Cage, his daughter, Wanda Beason; his granddaughter, April Mills; and his siblings, Catherine Harrell, John L. Thomas Jr., and Alvin Thomas. Robert was a proud graduate of C. V. White High School, Class of 1968, where he built lifelong friendships with a close-knit group of classmates. Known affectionately by family and friends as “Rod,” “Bobcat,” and “Partner,” he brought joy, laughter, and strength to those closest to him. In 1967, Robert welcomed his first children, twins Carol and Calvin Thomas, and in 1970, his son Andre’ Searcy was born.  In 1974, he met his life partner, Jerly Cage. Together, they built a loving home and raised their daughter Michelle, along with Alton (Tina), Dean, Wes (Tara), and Selena, whom he loved and cared for as his own. Robert dedicated 37 years of service to the Chicago Transit Authority before retiring on February 1, 2009. In retirement, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures—hunting and fishing with his brothers, staying active at the Kroc Center, traveling, and returning to his childhood home in Arkansas for rest and reflection. Robert leaves to cherish his memory of his children: Carol Thomas of Ballwin MO, Calvin (Lorraine), Thomas, of Jacksonville, AR, Andre\' Searcy and Michelle Cage of Chicago IL, AR Alton (Tina), of Chicago IL, Dean of Hope, AR, Wes (Tara), and Selena of Chicago IL. He is also survived by four brothers: Leo Thomas, Cleo (Myris), Thomas, James (Diann), Thomas, of Chicago IL and Aaron Thomas of Little Rock, AR ; five sisters: Ruby Sullivan, of Sherwood, AR  Addie (Raymond), Winder of Nassau Bahamas, Vickie Smith of North Little, AR , Carolyn (Kenneth), Worsham of Sanford NC, and Evelyn (Darel), Nelson of Sherwood AR. He was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. Robert’s life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, and love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him.