Melvin Thomas, of Brady, passed away on Sunday, March 22, at the age of 77. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife Charlene Thomas, of Brady, a son Kelly Thomas and wife Annette of Mason, a daughter Debby Gray and husband Larry of Yoakum, a granddaughter Rachel Nicole Brereton and husband Richard of Cedar Park and 9 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister June Bednarik and a brother Jerry Don Thomas.

Melvin was born on September 16, 1937 in Mason to Carlos Ray Thomas and Anna Bess Ellison Thomas. He was raised in the Fredonia area in Mason County. Melvin was a graduate of Mason High School where he was a star football player and was known as "Tank" Thomas. He continued his football career at Angelo State where he played for one year before a knee injury ended his playing days.

On June 14, 1958 Thomas married Charlene Starks and their marriage was blessed with two children, Kelly and Debby. For many years they made their home in Fort Stockton where Melvin worked in electric power distribution, first as a lineman and then advancing to management positions. In Fort Stockton Melvin was active in the community serving in the volunteer fire department for a total of 35 years and as Fire Chief for 15 of those years. He worked as a substitute Ag teacher and was active with the FFA and the Lions Club.

Melvin and Charlene retired to Brady but maintained their close ties to Mason where they were members of the Methodist Church. Through the years they were involved in ranching in Mason County. In his spare time, Melvin enjoyed hunting and fishing, working with cutting horses and ranching. He had a love for animals, especially his dachshunds.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday morning, March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mason. Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery.