Robert Earl Thomas, AKA Babe, 97, most recently of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, December 14th, 2023. Babe was born Vernon Hartson Thorpe on the family homestead in Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota on May 20th, 1926. Babe was the youngest of seven children and he is preceded in death by brothers Lyndell Howard Thorpe, Forrest Dow Thorpe, Edward Glenn Thorpe, Leland Earl Thorpe, and Mervin Durwood Thorpe (who died in infancy) and one sister, Norma Devee “Dee” Thorpe-Wilson, as well as his parents Howard Hartson Thorpe and Blanche Stephenson. Babe graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Wyoming with the class of 1944. He was drafted soon after graduation and served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. After his discharge in 1946, he spent time working in Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. Babe was married to Doris Rae Stump at Carson City, Nevada on June 22nd, 1988. They met in Klamath Falls, Oregon and lived most of their life together in California. Babe never had any children of his own, but he was a stepfather to Doris’s son Steve Roberson. Doris passed away April 14th, 2005. Babe remained a widower for the rest of his life. Babe worked in the hospitality industry as a cook in a variety of hotel and restaurant establishments. He also worked managing and renovating his investment properties. Babe is survived by nephews Stoney Wilson, Larry Thorpe, Daniel Thorpe, Greg Thorpe, Jerry Thorpe, Brady Thorpe, Lee Campbell, nieces Billie Lee Wright, and Terry Linard, and stepson Steve Roberson. Babe’s wit and wisdom will be sorely missed, and many of his unique insights and sayings will remain with us forever.
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