Harlin Thomas

He was born April 11, 1917 to Grace Truman Dyer and Charlie Thomas in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He moved to West Texas in 1921. Harlin served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945.

He married Dana Dee Derstine on November 15, 1944. They moved to Midland in 1945. The couple owned and operated Thomas Grocery and South Main Drug for many years. Harlin later worked for Boydstun Pest Control, Fashion Cleaners and retired from Brazil Pest Control.

Harlin has been a member of First Baptist Church of Midland since 1945. Never one to meet a stranger, Harlin served as a greeter at the church for many years.

Harlin is survived by his daughter, Tressa and her husband Charles Prater of Kingwood, TX; granddaughter, Stacey Teachey and husband Daniel and their son, Price Thomas Teachey of Cary, NC; grandson Matthew Prater and wife Megann and their son, Anderson Charles Prater of Greer, SC.

Also surviving are his cousin Martha Elder of Midland, TX and longtime caregiver and friend, Crystal Keller. Special thanks to the kind and caring staff of the Manor Park Mabee Center and Hospice of Midland, Inc.