On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, Franklin James Thomas, Sr., Frank, as friends and family knew him, passed away at the age of 83. Frank was born February 5, 1939 in Bakersfield, CA to mother Frances Thomas. Frank served 8 years in the Army National Guard from 1957 to 1965, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant, in charge of the Mess Hall, while stationed at Camp Roberts in San Miguel, CA. Upon leaving the military, Frank worked as a Delivery Driver for Coors Beer Company for 15 years before retiring from the job in 1987. Once he retired from Coors, he began working for auction companies, Ed Rogers Auction and Tristate Auction, until 2013, when he then became self-employed until the end of his life. In his off time, one of Frank’s many passions was racing, competing as Number 22 in stock car races at Bakersfield Speedway in the 1950s and 60s, and racing sand drag vehicles in Laughlin, NV in 2010.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Roberta Thomas. After having met through mutual friends, Roberta thought Frank was someone who was too much of a jokester, but his quick wit and incredible charm won her over in time. From that moment on, Frank would spend his life dedicated to her and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Frank had six sons Kyle, Kevin, Kris (Marla), Frank (Johna), Rick, and Steven (Lori). In addition, He loved being the grandfather of his many grandchildren: Kara, TJ & Paige (Kyle), Travis, Adam, and Kassy (Kevin), Austin, Klayton, and Seth (Kris), Michael, Leanne & Nathan, and Niklas & Nicole (Frank), Samantha (Rick), and Brittany and Brianna (Steven). Frank is also survived by his two sisters, Barbara and Helen, and is preceded in death by his brother Charles. He was also very close with and loved dearly his great nieces, Shelly Lozano (Sam) and Tonya Harl (Rick), and their families, Frank’s many great grandnieces and grandnephews. Frank will also be remembered and missed by Rodney Walford (Dawn), who Frank treated and loved like a son.
Frank will be remembered by his loved ones, and friends over the years, for his ability to talk to anybody, and his skill at bringing laughter to anyone willing to listen to his incredible stories. He was a man of the people, and people loved him everywhere he went. The world will be a little more dim without his light.
Funeral Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary on Saturday April, 09, 2022 at 1 P.M. Flowers and condolences may be sent to 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.
