Robert Edwin Thoma

Robert Edwin Thoma, 66, husband of Agnes McLean Tate Thoma, died Saturday, December 31, 2011 at his home. He was born June 28, 1945 in Holbrook, Arizona to Edwin Clarence and Elizabeth Thoma, A graduate of Phoenix College and Northern Arizona State University, Mr. Thoma served his country in Vietnam. He was employed with Lockheed Aircraft Co. which was associated with the NASA Space Program, where he worked on the Columbia Space Project. Moving to Greensboro, Mr. Thoma then worked for ML Eakes Mechanical Contractors. He retired from Facilities Services at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC where he was employed for 20 years. A member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Clarksville, memorial services will be held there at 2PM Saturday, January 7, 2012 with the Reverend Susan Grimm officiating. In addition to his wife, Mr. Thoma is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Tom Gower of Phoenix, AZ and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Cindy Thoma of Springfield, Va. His grandchildren, Brandon Watson, Darlynn Watson and Stephen Alieve, all of Tuscon, AZ; stepsons, and daughters-in-law, Jack and Teri King of Fresno, CA and Tom and Leslie King of Clemons, NC and step-granddaughter, Lindsay King also survive. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melanie Watson. Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is assisting the Thoma family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to UNC Lineburger Cancer Center c/o UNC Hospital.