Bobbie Joe Thomas, 91, of Sallisaw, Okla., died September 10, 2023. Born December 7, 1931, in Scammon, Bobbie Joe was the son of Lela Gussie (Scott) Thomas and Samuel Alfred Thomas. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Marie (Collins) Thomas; one daughter, Sheila Marie Thomas; one brother, Lewin Thomas; and two sisters, Darlene Rapp and Barbara Golden.
Bobbie Joe and Hazel Marie Collins were united in marriage July 13, 1952, in Pittsburg. She preceded him in death January 26, 2016. He was a retired educator, a veteran of the United States Navy and of the Pentecostal faith.
Bobbie Joe is survived by his daughter and son-inlaw, Sharon Kay and Robert Neeley of Olney, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Korin Thomas of Sallisaw, Okla. Seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with two on the way, and one great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Billy Thomas and Samuel Thomas; and several other relatives and friends also survive.
Graveside services will be at held 11 a.m. Friday, September 15 at Lone Elm Cemetery in Columbus, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc. Active Pallbearers will be Scott Reed, Nathan Walka, Wade Mays, Ricardo Rodriguez and Brandon Commons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Christopher Thomas and Joshua Neeley.