Bland, Thomas Damon

Thomas Damon Bland, of Blacksburg, Va., and Tyler, Texas, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008. He was born on October 16, 1944, in Blacksburg, Va., to Robert and Hazel Bland. He graduated from high school at Naha Port, Okinawa and received a degree in business management from University of Maryland.

Colonel Bland was a decorated three tour veteran of Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army, a Deputy Sheriff for Montgomery County, Va., and was an official of the Department of Treasury, where he retired in 1995. He was a life member of both the American Legion and the VFW. He was a life member of both the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifleman’s Association. Colonel Bland was a Master Mason, belonging to Roddy Lodge No. #734, A.M.F.M, Mabank, Texas Chapter and Council of Mabank, Texas, and the Scottish Rite.

Colonel Bland is survived by his mother, Hazel Bland, of Roanoke, Va.; and brothers, Jerry of Tyler, Texas, Randy of Salem, Va., and James (Krysti) of Alpena, Mich. He also had two nephews, Keith (Cheryl), and Jimmy; and one niece, Katie. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; and nephew, D’Wayne.

Masonic Services for Colonel Bland were held in Tyler, Texas. Memorial / Military Honor Services will also be held in Salem, Va., on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.