Robert “Mr. B” C. Thuman
1942-2014
Photo courtesy Meierhoffer Funeral Home
A man known to many in the St. Joseph School District as “Mr. B” was recognized for his volunteer contributions within the district during a dedication ceremony Monday at Oak Grove Elementary.
Robert C. Thuman was known as, “Mr. B” He was born in St. Joseph in 1942 and died at the age of 72, in Nov. of 2014.
“He passed away six months ago due to cancer,” said Mike Otto, Oak Grove Elementary School Principal.
He taught with the St. Joseph School District for many years, and then later spent numerous years volunteering his time at Coleman Elementary School and then, after it’s opening, at Oak Grove Elementary.
“He spent ten years at Coleman volunteering the entire day every day,” Otto said. “You would see him in the library every day.”
He was even awarded the 2013-2014 Volunteer of the Year award by the St. Joseph School District.
Oak Grove Principal Mike Otto leads balloon release. Photo by Stephanie Lux/SJSD
In honor of his contributions Oak Grove elementary created a reading corner featuring a rocking chair and several of Mr. B’s favorite books. In addition to the the nook, Oak Grove also dedicated an outdoor bench to him and held a balloon release.
“We raised funds,” Otto said. “Probably all in all about $2,000 to make it happen.”
Mr. B had received $1,000 with his volunteer award from American Family Insurance which went towards part of the cost. Gray Manufacturing also chipped in to make the reading bench as well donations from PTA and others.
To finalize the ceremony Monday morning at Oak Grove a balloon release was held with the entire student body in attendance as well as members of Mr. B’s family.
Family members of Mr. B check out the dedicated reading nook. Photo by Stephanie Lux/SJSD
“We had the balloon release once we were outside. We did a little dedication it was very sad,” Otto said. “You know he was very loyal to the school and the kids.”