[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF MELVIN LEE THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to remember a 
dear friend of the Oakland, California community who has recently 
passed on.
  Melvin Lee Thomas, a great friend, father, and grandfather, was a 
remarkable member of the Oakland community. A veteran of the United 
States Marine Corp, he served his country with tremendous loyalty.
  Melvin attended several schools in the Oakland area, including John 
Muir School in Alameda, Clawson Elementary School, Golden Gate Junior 
High School, and Oakland Technical High School.
  Mel, as he was fondly called, served with distinction in the United 
States Marine Corp from 1958 to 1964. He served with a marine assault 
battalion in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 
His family and friends were never so proud or relieved when he returned 
home unscathed from his service to our nation.
  Mr. Thomas was a lover of nature, the outdoors, and the sea. Some of 
his favorite pastimes were spent on the ocean enjoying its wonders. He 
loved watching beautiful sunsets from the ocean. Mel enjoyed listening 
to good music and Jazz was his favorite. He also was an avid reader. He 
enjoyed the exploration of the world of the mind.
  Mel is survived by his only daughter, Nerissa Thomas; his 
granddaughter, Jordan Mykaela Bess; his three brothers James Keith, 
Andrew Rodgers, and Anthony Rodgers; and his uncle, John Elsie Byrd.
  I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this great 
man. Mr. Thomas will truly be missed by all members of the Oakland 
community. His dedication to his country, family, and friends will not 
soon be forgotten.

                          ____________________