Former TAB Chairman dies

Mel Gilbert, 1978 TAB Chairman, passed away yesterday after a lengthy illness. He was 83.

He attended Howard Payne University on a track scholarship and then graduated in 1950 with a BS in Education.

After graduation, he taught school in Brownwood. He moved to Snyder on September 1, 1952, and continued to teach.

He joined KSNY radio in 1952 and became sales manager in 1953.

In 1958 he became the vice president and general manager following the passing of JT Hughes, manager and owner of KSNY.

Gilbert was the driving force for the development and construction of the SCAT (Snyder Community Antenna Television) cable TV system.

SCAT was built in 1959 with Gilbert serving as VP/GM until its sale in 1988.

In addition to serving as TAB Chairman, Gilbert served as president of the Texas Cable TV Association, and was active in the National Cable Television Association.

The funeral service is set for Wed, July 20 at 10 a.m. at Wright Colonial Funeral Home with Dr. Tommy Culwell, pastor of Colonial Hill Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Gardens.

The family is requesting that friends and family donate to their favorite charity in his memory.