Robert Lee Thomas, 81 of Taylor, passed away Sunday night at Lankenau Medical Center in Philadelphia. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Myron and Angeline Scavo Thomas. He was a 1962 graduate of Taylor-Moosic High School, graduated from Mansfield University in 1966 and began teaching elementary school in Brooklyn, PA. He attended American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in 1967 and obtained his funeral director’s license in 1969.
For more than 50 years Robert operated the Jacob Davis Funeral Home in Taylor along with his partner Nancy Davis Thomas, FD. Their son, Robert Jacob Thomas, FD, joined the firm upon his graduation from Mortuary Science School.
Robert was an active member of the Taylor United Baptist Church, serving as a Trustee and also serving on several pastoral search committees for the church. He was the financial secretary for the Taylor Swiss Lodge and served as president of the Taylor Lions Club. He was active in the organization of the annual Lions Club Holiday Basketball Tournament. He was a 50-year member of the Acacia Lodge #579 F & AM.
Robert was well-known in Taylor, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was known to be a great neighbor and friend. He was definitely special. The love he had for his family, his children, and his grandchildren was extraordinary. They loved him as well and their lives will be forever changed because of him. Robert also had a deep passion for traveling across the country and loved sharing his experiences with others.
Surviving are his wife, the former Lynda Rose Ord; his children Robert J. Thomas, Rebecca Palmer and husband Michael, Alyson Hartman and husband Rob, Timothy Kidwell and wife, Andrea. Sisters are Emily Serniak and husband, Joseph, and Mabel Bartosch; grandchildren Jack, Julius, Maksim, Kendal, Kamdin, Lainey, Sam, Gavin, and Calleigh; several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 beginning with Masonic Services at 11am and funeral service to follow. Services will be officiated by Robert J. Davis, Lay Pastor, Taylor United Baptist Church. Visiting hours are Sunday from 3 to 7pm. Interment will be at Milwaukee Cemetery. Arrangements by Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main Street, Taylor, PA.