Melvin George Thomas

   MOUNT PLEASANT – Mel Thomas, 87, passed away on March 3, 2016 in the loving arms of his wife Wendy and surrounded by his family.  He will be dearly missed by all and we are thankful for the wonderful memories he left behind.

   He was born in Racine on April 3, 1928, the son of the late Milton and Theresa (nee: Boetcher) Thomas.  Mel spent two years in the U.S. Army serving in Korea and receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1954.

   He was married to Wendy Shumacher on December 31, 1955 in Racine.  Mel was employed by the Racine Water Utility for 34 years and was President of Local 63 for ten years.  He was also Supervisor of the Meter Department before he retired in 1990.  Mel and Wendy moved to Hot Springs Village in 1992, returning to Racine this year. 

   Mel is a former member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hot Springs Village and member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine.  He was a member of the City of Racine 20 Yr. Club and Country Two-Steppers in Hot Springs Village.  He loved music, played guitar, and loved to dance. Mel was also a race car driver for several years, racing in Hales Corners and Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

  Mel is survived by his wife Wendy (Schumacher) Thomas; one son, Rory (Cindy) Thomas of Cambria, Wisconsin; three daughters, Shelley Schuebel of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Lori (Tim) Mai of Racine and Dawn Dacquisto of Carlsbad, California; nine grandchildren; who are his joy, Roxanne Schuebel, Dana (James) Pettigrew, Victoria Schuebel, Christina Mai, Teresa (Jesse) Theilman, Amanda Mai, Ryan Thomas, Ian (Cheryl) Thomas, and Sara (Russ) Little; six great grandchildren, Dominic, Jordan, Felicity, Christian, Nicholas and Kaeden;  three sisters,  Audrey Collins of Racine, Jocelyn (Jerry) Ruetz of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Pearl (Don) Audenby of Racine; one sister-in-law, Pearl Berndt of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Theresa (Boetcher) Thomas and his brother, Sherman Thomas.

   Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, March 18th for a visitation from 5-7 p.m.  A service celebrating and honoring his life will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church (2065 Geneva Street) on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Stephen Jennings officiating.  Military honors will follow after the church service.  There will also be a visitation in the church on Saturday from 12-1 p.m.  A private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Memorials may be given in Mel’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Racine, or Faith Lutheran Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

   We thank the staff at Primrose Care Facility, especially the CNA’s and nurses.  We also thank Grace Hospice, especially nurse Angel and aide Armalinda who were outstanding.