Robert S. Thomas

Robert Thomas was born on July 13, 1979, in Detroit, MI, to Robert Thomas and Sheila Owens of Detroit, MI. Robert was easy to raise, if he was disciplined by his mom, it would last him a long time. He got it that his mother didn’t play NO games. Robert enjoyed playing football with his childhood friends. He also loved to sleep over his grandma’s house along with his older siblings and they would race to see who was going to sleep in the bed with “Queen”. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system, attending Cass Technical High School and later graduating from Chadsey High School in 1997. On April 22, 1997, Robert met his “Babe”, his one great love, Hanna Burrell. They were both employed at Kids Foot Locker in Northland Mall. It was not love at first sight, but it was definitely a love that was predestined and ordained by God. Robert and Hanna were married on July 27,2002. They celebrated the birth of their first child, his namesake and his spitting image, Robert Shawn Thomas Jr., on October 31, 2002. On August 27, 2007, they welcomed their baby girl, Halina Christian, whom he affectionately called “MaMa.” During his younger years, he attended Solomon’s Temple with his family. He later accepted Christ at Metropolitan Community Tabernacle Church under the leadership of Pastor George Washington. He was an active member of the church and enjoyed working with the youth. He served for Harvest Night and taught Vacation Bible School. In 2014, he and his family began attending Berean Chapel, under the leadership of Pastor Henry L. McClendon, where he helped with the Clothing Ministry, Food Drive Ministry, and Vacation Bible School. During his time at Berean, he also studied under Pastor Hood to deepen his understanding of biblical theology. In 2018, Robert and his family joined GEM - Global Empowerment Ministries, under the leadership of Art Cartwright, where he served faithfully on the Security Team. Whether you knew him as Robert, Big Rob, the Gentle Giant, Champ Chambers, or Big Pun, his light-hearted, laid-back personality will always be remembered. He was knowledgeable, excellent with numbers, wise beyond his years, and always a comedian. He was a jokester and loved to laugh, often serving as comedic relief for family and friends. He played way too much! He loved to reference movie quotes; some of his favorites were “Are we wearing the hoods or not?” from Django and “I find that an occasion to stand up and be counted” from Wild Wild West. He often played pranks with a straight face, like going to Wendy’s and joking with the staff that he heard on the radio that the kids’ meals are free today! He enjoyed power lifting and made many friends at the Romulus Rec Center. He had a great love for all types of music; his favorite was Jazz. Rap music held a special place in his heart. He loved to spit those bars and created two CDs totaling 20 songs. He enjoyed ALL types of sports. He was an avid X-Box player and pool player; he loved to travel and watch the sunset. He also had an affinity for lions, the animal, not the “Detroit Kittens” as he called them! Wherever Robert was, there was sure to be jokes and laughter. Whenever friends and family were leaving, he would jokingly say “See you in a month” or “I’ll be seeing you”! Our beloved Robert departed this world unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. His generosity, kindness, love, laughter, and humorous antics will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. Robert was preceded in death by Great-grandmother, Josephine Walker, whom he enjoyed spending time with at the race-track, and is often remembered for the hilarious story of the time she left Robert on the bus as a child! His Grandmother Essequena (Queen) Jones, from whom he gained his love of movies. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of twenty- three years, Hanna, whom he affectionately called “Babe”. His namesake Robert, his baby girl, Halina. His beloved mother Sheila Owens whom he affectionately referred to as “Mom Dukes”. His Mother-in-love, Toni Burrell, who he lovingly referred to as “Mom”. He will be deeply missed by his sisters; Chevon Jones, Raeshawn Bumphers, Tiara (Shabba) Owens, and Latoya Owens. His sisters-in-love, Tabatha Carter (Thomas) and Summer Beale (Blake) His nephews, Wesley Jones Jr., Tywaun Brooks, Josiah and Jeremiah Brooks, Lamont Foster, Blake Jr., Ryan Russell and Jace Lee. His nieces; Arika Taylor, Darlene Luke, Nina and Navia Jones, Honesty Brooks. Asia, Brittany, Taylor and Courtney Russell. Great nieces; Raina Russell and Aria Jones, and his close friend Jerome Dubois (JD). Robert leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and amazing memories for his cousins, other relatives, neighbors, friends, church members and co-workers.

Robert S. Thomas

July 13, 1979 - February 10, 2026