Robert Thomson ’60

Robert James “Bob” Thomson, 86, St. Augustine, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on December 6, 2021. He was born in Detroit, MI and had been a resident of St. Augustine since 1969, moving here from Miami. Bob lost his hearing at the age of 7. However, he remarkably continued his education at hearing schools, graduating from MacKenzie High School and then receiving his bachelor’s degree from Hope College. While working on his B.A. degree he was inducted into the Hope College H-Club with the 1958 basketball team, as well as a two time honoree with the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association for baseball. After college he played basketball in the World Games for the Deaf, winning a gold medal in basketball. He later received his Masters Degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. Bob was retired from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind where he worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Director of Student Life, and Coordinator for Academic Advisement. He was a member of Optimist International, the Florida Registry of Interpreters of Deaf, and the Florida Baptist Conference of the Deaf. Bob also served on The White House Committee for Employment of the Handicapped in Washington D.C. that eventually led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was a longtime member of Ancient City Baptist Church and more recently, a member of Anastasia Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022 at Craig Memorial Park with Dr. Walter West officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing may make a contribution in his memory to Anastasia Baptist Church, Community Hospice and Palliative Care, or to the Optimist International Foundation, 4494 Lindell Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63108.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley McLendon Thomson, two daughters, Leigh Thomson DeVane, Jennifer Thomson Draper (David), and grandson, Jesse DeVane, all of St. Augustine.

St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.