Myrtle Gleason

Myrtle Thomas Gleason Myrtle Virginia Thomas Gleason, 94, was born in Vincent Community, Howard County, Texas, on January 25, 1922 to St. Elmo Thomas and Annie Rhodes Thomas, and died on Friday, June 10th, 2016. She and her younger brother, John Edward Thomas, were reared in Hawley, Texas, where Annie Thomas was the first female postmistress in Texas. Myrtle married Paul Bender Gleason on October 29, 1940. Their 58 year marriage gave them three children: Paula Gene, Beverly Ann, and Dennis Lee. Myrtle and Paul lived for many years in Odessa, Texas, before moving back to Abilene. Myrtle’s life was Christ-centered and family oriented. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and loved reading her Bible. She also loved preparing meals for the family. She and Paul enjoyed fishing and most of their vacations were centered around lake activities with extended family members. Her gifts were gifts of hospitality and unconditional love. Her talents included being a champion Scrabble player and a crossword puzzle whiz. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul, her son, Dennis, and her brother, John Edward. Surviving Myrtle are her daughters Paula Smith, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Beverly Shelby of Abilene, Texas, and granddaughters Rachel Gillespie, Leah Gajan, Kristin Lasater, Traci Cruit, Merrilee Bingham, and Kathleen New. Her son-in-law, Allen Smith, and sixteen great-grandchildren have also blessed her life. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p. m. at North’s Funeral Home Chapel, 242 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas. Myrtle’s memorial Service, officiated by Michael Reed, will also be held at North’s Funeral Home chapel on Monday, June 13th, at 10:30 a. m., followed by interment at Hawley Cemetery. The family is deeply grateful to Hendrick Hospice Care for their many acts of kindness toward Myrtle in her final weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com