Thomas Melrose passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, at the age of 85.  He was born January 14, 1927, to John and Annie (Cook) Melrose in Glasgow, Scotland.

Due to lack of jobs in Scotland, he moved to America in 1949, at the age of 22.  He joined his uncle who had already come over and was able to find work.  He started working for the railroad and then got a job at Southwestern Bell.  He continued to work for them until his retirement.

He loved to square dance and was a square dance caller for over 20 years.  He enjoyed camping with Velta and seeing the United States.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nan Leonard.  He is survived by his wife, Velta Melrose; two daughters, Debbie Greer and her husband Dave, and Pam Kenworthy and her husband Bob; two step daughters Marsha Anstine and her husband Fred, and Debbie Van Natta and her husband Walter; a stepson Chris Beal and his wife Julie; and grandchildren, Michelle Yates, Tiffany Young, Brandon Hale, Courtney Sly, Brienne Henry, Colt Anstine, Kimberly Rice, Walter Lee Van Natta, Keith Van Natta, Eric Beal, Casey Beal, Joshua Beal, Chad Beal; and great-grandchildren, Nikki Hance, Andrew Young, Monica Young, Malia Armstrong, James Sly, Evie Sly, Lincoln Henry, Fletcher Henry, Kaylea Rice, Peyton Henry and Zoey Beal; and his great-great-grandson, Hunter Hance.

A Celebration of Life service was held January 16, 2013, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. 

Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2013, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Missouri, with full military honors.