Melvin Thane

Melvin Gene Thane was called home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2016 surrounded by his family.

Melvin was born January 4, 1932 at home in Sagerton, Texas to Theophil and Helma Thane. Melvin attended Sagerton Schools and was the last graduating class of Sagerton High School in 1949. He met the love of his life, Wanda Dalrymple, at the movie theater in Stamford, Texas. They married December 16, 1950 and lived in Sagerton, where he farmed. They moved to Abilene, Texas in 1957 where Melvin worked for Ben E. Keith and Safeway Grocery Store. On November 3, 1958 he joined the Abilene Fire Department and retired April 11, 1988. Melvin always kept busy during his years as a Firefighter by farming and raising cattle. He also managed rent houses where he would do his own maintenance work by painting and doing any carpentry work that was needed. After retirement from the fire department, he managed the CO-OP Gin Hodges, Texas for 5 years. Melvin and his wife owned and operated T-Tiny Gift Shop. Melvin was a member of Epworth Methodist Church and most recently attended 2nd Baptist Church. He was also a life time member of the Order of the Sons of Hermann.
Melvin is preceded in death by his beloved wife Wanda Dalrymple Thane, his father Theophil Thane, mother Hilma Stremmel Thane, a brother Leland Thane, a granddaughter Tammy Michele Thane and two sister-in-laws, Janet Thane and Joe Ann Thane.

He is survived by a son Gerald Thane and wife Cori of Midland, Texas; son Scott Thane and wife Phyllis of Odessa, Texas; daughter Belinda Massey and husband Scott of Carrolton, Texas. Six grandchildren, Dustin Thane and wife Amy of Lubbock, Texas; Lisa McCormick and husband David of Highland Village, Texas; John Rogers of Midland, Texas; Ashlee Thane of Midland Texas; Jason Massey of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stephen Massey of Denver, Colorado; and 8 great grandchildren.

Melvin loved his family and cherished time spent with his beloved Wanda until her death on July 26, 2016. He enjoyed traveling across the United States with his wife. They loved to drive to see the country. He enjoyed stopping and visiting with farmers along the way. In the early years, Melvin would plant large gardens. He would bring home bushels of peas and sit in the front yard shelling peas. There would always be friends of family stopping by, sitting in lawn chairs, and shelling peas. He loved watching his Texas Rangers play baseball. He spent time playing dominos, cards, and chess. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the art of playing chess. His family always came first. Melvin Thane will be truly missed by many loved ones.

Visitation will be held 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday September 24, 2016 officiated by Dr. Jeff Reid.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to the Hendrick Hospice Care. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Hendrick Hospice Care.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Dustin Thane, Jason Massey, Stephen Massey(honorary), David McCormick and nephews Jeff Thane and Marc Thane and cousin Terry Stremmel.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, September 23, 2016
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, September 24, 2016
11:00 am

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

Hendrick Hospice Care
PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604