Merlin Thomas Sr.

PORTAGEVILLE - Merlin Thomas Sr., 73, died Nov. 28, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Born Jan. 28, 1931, in Covington, Tenn., son of the late Houston and Augusta Thomas, he was a member of Lily of the Valley Freewill Baptist Church and a veteran of the Korean War.

On April 4, 1955, in Portageville, he married Bernice Thomas who preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Larry Thomas; and his sister, Mary Thomas.

Survivors include: two sons, Robert Thomas of Arcadia, Fla., and Merlin Thomas Jr. of Jefferson City; three daughters, Joyce Thomas Chandler of Aurora, Colo., Barbara Thomas of Jefferson City and Debbie Thomas of Columbia; one brother, Fred Thomas of Benton Harbor, Mich.; and 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at DeLisle Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lily of the Valley Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Moody officiating.

Burial will follow in the Lily of the Valley Cemetery.