Robert "Bobby" Thomas

Robert Dudley Thomas, known to all who loved him simply as Bobby, passed away on November 23, 2024, just days before his 72nd birthday, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Bobby was a man who lived life on his own terms—full of humor, heart, and determination. Bobby had a remarkable career in construction management, traveling across the United States to build hotels and motels, but it was his work ethic and bigger-than-life personality that left a lasting impression. Whether he was leading a team on a job site or enjoying his time at the camp, Bobby was always the one you could count on for a joke, a laugh, or a sarcastic comment. Bobby’s charm wasn’t limited to his quick wit—if you were a woman, you could always count on him for a flirtatious comment or a wink, no matter the occasion. His interests were as wide-ranging as his humor. Bobby was an avid fisherman and hunter, with a particular passion for Cajun dancing with his wife, Vicky, and their friends. He could often be found in the outdoor kitchen making his famous sausage or out at the camp riding 4-wheelers. But perhaps his greatest love was for his family and friends, who could always count on him to bring a smile to their face with his famous parting words of: “I’m glad you got to see me.” Bobby’s love for life and his clever banter were never in short supply. His step-son-in-law, in particular, affectionately dubbed him “Bobby Sausage” during family gatherings, a nickname that soon caught on at the camp, where everyone began calling him “Bobby Johnson.” But to most of us, he was simply Bobby—a man who had a knack for making everyone feel like family. Bobby leaves behind his devoted wife, Vicky Thomas, whose love and unwavering care sustained him through his long battle with Alzheimer’s. He is also cherished by his daughter, Kayla Burton and husband David, and their children, Ava Meleshenko, Ryan Meleshenko, and Luke Burton. Bobby’s legacy is carried on by his stepchildren, Shai Matthieu and husband Ronnie, along with their children, Emma and Kel. Additionally, Bobby was a much-loved father figure to Chad Cliburn and wife Kristy, Brittany Louvierre, and their families. He is further survived by his siblings, Sandra Urban, Linda Richard and husband Harold, and Lynne Chauvin. Bobby was also a much-loved brother-in-law to Sheila Bellard and her husband Mitch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mildred Thomas, as well as two beloved brothers-in-law, Frank Urban and Johnny Chauvin. A Celebration of Bobby’s life will take place on his 72nd birthday, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Delhomme Funeral Home - Scott from 9:00 AM until service time at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 1110 Old Spanish Trail, Scott, LA. The funeral service will be conducted by Dale Clavier of Destiny Revival Ministries. Pallbearers will be David Burton, Ronnie Matthieu, Jonathan Urban, Richard Richard, Bill Crooks, and Kel Matthieu. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Richard, Chad Cliburn, Larry Hoffpauir, and Ken Wyble. The family would like to thank his caregiver, Mary Lyons, as well as Jennifer Benjamin and the staff at Cedar Crest Memory Care and Sarah Julian and staff at Compassus Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion provided to Bobby and his family. Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Robert "Bobby" Thomas at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com Robert "Bobby" Thomas and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 705 Marie St., Scott, LA.

Robert "Bobby" Thomas

November 26, 1952 - November 23, 2024