Thomas Allan Knox II passed away on Monday, August 7, at the age of 83. Thomas was born in Waco, Texas on January 30, 1934 to Thomas Allan Knox Sr. and Juanita Smith Knox. He was raised in Mason and was a 1950 graduate of Mason High School.

On April 6, 1955 Thomas married Doris Jane Capps Knox at the Capps Ranch in Mason County and they were together for 56 years until her passing in 2011. Much of Thomas's career was as a music educator, working as a band director in several different towns and eventually earning his doctorate in Library Science, as health issues made it difficult for Thomas to keep up the demanding schedule and stress that a band director has. The family moved to several towns throughout the state as Thomas pursued his career and education opportunities. Most of the last 30 years were spent in the Austin area.

Proudly serving his country, Thomas was in the Texas National Guard for 18 years and served a tour of active duty in Korea during the Korean War. He played in the Army Band and was able to tour overseas with that group.

From a very early age Thomas had a love for music and through God-given talent and hard work was able to make a career in music. In his spare time he played trombone in a Polka band and trumpet (his favorite) in other bands.

Thomas is survived by his three children: Frances Knox, Barbara reedy and husband David of Leander and Thomas W. Knox and wife Natalie of Austin.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held graveside at the Gooch Cemetery Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.