Robert Allen Thomas, known to many as "Shorty," was born August 13, 1951 in Harper, Kansas, son of Robert Marvin Thomas and Leola Jean (Potts) Thomas.  He grew up on a farm near Anthony attending Plainview grade school and graduating from Anthony High School with the Class of 1969.  He graduated from Denver Automotive and Diesel College in 1970.

On December 15, 1974, Allen was united in marriage with Barbara Poston at the Christian Church in Anthony, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three daughters:  Barklie, Heather, and Megan.

He farmed in youth with his parents continuing to farm until he started Allen's Auction and Real Estate Company in 1998.  He also owned A&R Spraying and had many rental houses throughout Anthony.

Allen was very sociable.  He loved dancing and being the life of the party.  He enjoyed BBQ contests, the horse races at Anthony Downs, hunting, and fishing.  One of his proud accomplishments was a Boone and Crocket deer that scored 200 and ⅝. He enjoyed woodworking, creating furniture, and remodeling homes. Random road trips and family vacations were an integral part of his life. He was also a former member of the Harper County Buckin T's and current member of the Barber County Midian Shrine Club.

Most of all, Allen loved spending time with his family and friends.  He was a proud dad to his daughters and the best grandpa his grandchildren could have ever asked for.  He held dear many close friendships with his classmates, fellow cardplayers, fellow farmers, and his buddies that enjoyed gathering at the barn for a night of music and fun.

On February 24, 2022, Allen passed away at his home in Anthony, surrounded by all his loving family, at the age of 70.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Jean Thomas, and his grandparents, Dan and Lola Thomas, and Raymond and Vivian Potts.

Allen will be deeply missed by his wife, Barbara; his daughters:  Barklie Thomas and Paul Porter, Heather Summers and Tom, and Megan Wagner; grandchildren:  Kadin Banks and Jasmin, Noah Thomas and Shelbie, Claire Porter, Maddox Wagner, Dallas Summers and Marche, and Kirsti Summers and Jerrod; brother, John Thomas and Mary; niece, Mandy Duncan; nephews: Jared Thomas and Adam Thomas; and a host of other relatives and many, many friends.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2022 at the Anthony Christian Church with Pastor Ron Eden officiating.

Friends may sign the register book from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Allen may be made to Patterson Health Center for the Cardiopulmonary Therapy Department or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.