Melvin Ray Thompson

GRANBURY — The state of Texas and the county of Montague lost a real cowboy from the ol’ school on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. Melvin Ray Thompson drank his last cup of coffee and died peacefully at his lakeside home in Granbury.
Memorial service; 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Nocona Bible Baptist Church in Nocona.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests loved ones and family donate to the American Quarter Horse Association, or any equine rescue.
Melvin had endured a period of illness; recently being in the Dallas V.A. Hospital and the Santa Fe Health Rehab in Weatherford.
Melvin Ray Thompson was born on May 2, 1945, in Haskell to parents, Beulah Mae and L.W. “Jim” Robinson. Melvin grew up in Lamesa with his siblings, J.D. “David” Robinson, Jimmy Earl, Beulah Mae and Linda Kay.
Preceding Melvin in death were his parents; sister, Linda Kay; brother, Jimmie Earl; and stepdaughter, Kim.
Left to mourn Melvin’s passing are his wife of over 20 years, Sandy; brother, David and wife, Ann; sister, Beulah and husband, Richard; stepsons, Stephen Bien, Gary Bien, Jeff Crosby; stepdaughter, Michele Gragg; half sister in California; several stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Melvin loved children and children all loved “Uncle Melvin” and “Mr. Cowboy.”
Melvin began rodeoing and horse wrangling at an early age. He belonged to the American Paint Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. He also belonged to the American Legion and the local VFW. Melvin served America with valor during the Vietnam conflict, earning the Purple Heart and several other commendations.
Melvin was a rancher, business contractor and a horse trainer and trader his entire life. He loved riding, roping, dancing and the “cowboy way of life.”
Family members will meet for memories and love for Melvin at his Aunt Dene’s house in Burleson.
Special love to surviving aunts, Dene Corley of Burleson, Fern Dunlap of Wichita Falls and Joyce Greenwood of Gorer.
Special thanks and appreciation to the caregivers at Santa Fe Rehab in Weatherford and to Irene Kennedy of Granbury.