Robert Colen Thomas. "Colen" passed away early in the morning on July 15, 2012 at the Care and Wellness Center of the White Stone Masonic Home. Colen had been in declining health for a few years, and had recently sustained a serious injury in a fall at another assisted living facility. Colen was born in Moore County, NC on July 11, 1921, the fifth of six children born to Henry B. and Catherine R. Thomas. After high school graduation, Colen volunteered for service in the US Army during WWII. Shortly thereafter he was transported to the Pacific theater and served in New Guinea and then the Philippines (upon the return of...
Robert Colen Thomas. "Colen" passed away early in the morning on July 15, 2012 at the Care and Wellness Center of the White Stone Masonic Home. Colen had been in declining health for a few years, and had recently sustained a serious injury in a fall at another assisted living facility.
Colen was born in Moore County, NC on July 11, 1921, the fifth of six children born to Henry B. and Catherine R. Thomas. After high school graduation, Colen volunteered for service in the US Army during WWII. Shortly thereafter he was transported to the Pacific theater and served in New Guinea and then the Philippines (upon the return of MacArthur to recapture the Philippines) where he was promoted to the level of staff sergeant and was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After the war service he decided to use GI bill benefits and attended and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in American History. After graduating, Colen made a career in sales and then owned Thomas Printing, Inc.
He retired in 1989 and he and Dot enjoyed traveling and ballroom dancing. Additionally he was an Oddfellow and member of Buena Vista Lodge No 21, I.O.O.F., where he participated in charity work and was an active member as long as he was physically able. Predeceased by his
mother and father and all siblings, Colen is survived by his wife, Dot and daughter
Beth Mueller (Jeff), and several nieces and nephews.
Services for Colen are being held at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, Wednesday
July 18 at 11:00AM, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00AM. Burial
will follow the service at Lakeview Memorial Park, Highway 29 N.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.