On October 5, 2024, Robert "Bob" Thalls peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family to whom he had devoted his life. Bob's legacy lives on in his wife of more than 60 years, Faye (Bowen), and his 3 children, Gretchen (Mike) Gibbs, James (Lynn) Thalls, and Sharon Aldrich. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him joy and delight with every visit and family gathering. Bob's family and his faith were everything to him. He joins in heaven, his sister, Sondra (Bill) Himelick, and his parents, Joseph and Helen (Turner) Thalls.

Bob graduated from Fountain City High School, served in the U.S. Army, and worked at Belden Mfg., where he met Faye, before becoming a Richmond Firefighter in late 1967 a few months before the Richmond downtown explosion. He served 20 years as a firefighter and repaired and sold used appliances on his days off to build a good life for his family. Bob loved working with his hands, including home improvement projects, repairing worn-out or broken machinery, and building and operating RC boats and planes. He was constantly working on "projects" in his workshop until a few weeks before he passed.

Bob was a Master Mason and a member of the Boston Methodist Church. He was soft-spoken but never hesitated to start up a conversation with someone he didn't know. He had an incredible sense of humor and wit that kept everyone around him smiling. He was kind and generous, slow to anger, and a good friend to many. Those he loved extended well beyond his immediate family, including nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, in-laws, and anyone who entered the circle of his kids or grandkids. Bob's was a life well-lived and he will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Services will be at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home in Richmond, Indiana on Friday, October 11, 2024, beginning with a Masonic Service at 12:30 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 pm. Burial with military rites will be at Spartanburg Cemetery in Spartanburg, Indiana following the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.