The fifth icon represented on the Elgin Black Icons mural is Monty Joe Thomas. Gospel recording artist Monty Joe Thomas (1944-2015), also known as “Mr. Cheerios”, was a lifetime resident of Elgin and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He was a member (lead guitar, lead & background vocals) of The Gospel Mourners of Taylor, Tx for 32 + years. You would always hear The Gospel Mourners every Sunday morning (LIIVE) from 7-7:30 am on KTAE 1260AM in Taylor, TX. He founded a local musical group called The Thomas Family who recorded 3 CD’s and to this date they continue to perform. He also had a hand in forming a quartet group called The Gospel Tones of Elgin and was also a member of Milton Hill & The Gospel Soul Singers of Austin. Monty Thomas had an encyclopedic knowledge of gospel music that ranged from quartet, country, steel guitar, soul music, blue grass, etc. He was involved in many organizations such as The Masonic Lodge (Utley, TX), Elgin Evening Lions Club and coached Elgin Boys Little League. Monty Thomas was named Mr. Juneteenth in 2004 and King Hog in 2015. He was also the owner of Thomas Appliance Service for 50 years, if it could be fixed, Monty was the guy! He was an active member and helped in building the structure of Greater Mt. Vernon Zion A.M.E. Church, Elgin, Tx. #cheerios #blackhistorymonth2023 #elginblackiconsmural