Mervin Richard Thomas, 83, of Conifer passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2014. Born May 20, 1931 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of Paul and Lucille (Shaffer) Thomas. Merv attended school in Conifer and graduated from Tupper High in 1949. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1952 to 1954. On August 26, 1956, he married the former Joyce Decheine and made their home in Conifer. Merv was a lumberjack most of his life working for Wilfred Decheine, Jim Larkin, Oneil Logging and Bencze Brothers logging. He also was a caretaker at Massawepie and Grasse River Club. Merv was a member of the Piercefield volunteer Fire Dept., the Dead Creek Club and the Nomis Club. He enjoyed going to camp, spending time in the mornings having coffee and exchanging stories at Larkin's with all of the other morning regulars. He is survived by his wife Joyce, sons , Zane and his wife Ellen, Jeff and companion Amy and Scott. Also surviving are grandchildren; Paul, Lindsay and Adam and one brother Syd and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by one son Christopher in 1985. There were no calling hours, a graveside service was held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Gale cemetery.