Melvin Lee Walser

Melvin Lee Walser, 87, of Canadian passed into his heavenly home September 20, 2023, in Canadian.

Public viewing will be 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday, September 23, 2023, and 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home’s Canadian location. The family will receive visitors, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home located in Canadian.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Canadian Church of Christ with Warren Rivers, Jeff Dockery and Dan Dockery officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Zybach Cemetery with Kent Sappenfield officiating.  Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Melvin Lee Walser was born January 10, 1936, to Clarence and Mamie Walser of Canadian, and grew up, helping on the family farm and developing his love of farm life.  Melvin had many different destinations in life but always returned to the farm.  He attended and graduated from Canadian High School, and went on to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, but was drafted by the Army before college graduation.  Before going to basic training, he married the mother of his 5 children, Donna Ann Durant.  He served as a draftsman in the Army Corp of Engineers in San Antonio.  Upon discharge, he returned to Canadian, back to the farm working part-time at night for the City at the light and power plant to support his family.  His desire for a college degree, took him back to Texas Tech, where he worked at Clark Equipment Company designing earth moving machinery during the day and attended college classes at night until graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree, and a Minor in Electrical engineer; needless to say, mathematical equations were a passion, and he did not shy away from hard work.  Several designs were patented, while at Clark Equipment.  In Lubbock, he was an active Deacon in a small farm community Church of Christ, Sunrise, also sharing in the weekly duties of cleaning the building before Sunday morning services.  As he mopped the floors, he would sing Church songs with his helping children, to make the time pass quickly.  
The Mid 70’s brought Melvin and family back to Canadian, to resume his farm and ranch career and passing on his love of “the farm” to his children and grandchildren.   Melvin enjoyed helping his children and others with 4-H Stock shows for many years.   He served as President and director of Hemphill County Farm Bureau and on the Hemphill County Water Board.   
Melvin loved family and being together for any family or Cousin reunion.   He never said, “not a good time—can you re-schedule?” he simply said, “set the date, I’ll be there.” He had a passion for playing a challenging game of dominoes, for as long as anyone would play.  Also, he was an avid bowler, but main entertainment was watching football—especially the Canadian Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys!  Earlier years, he took hunting trips into New Mexico and Colorado, processing deer on the kitchen table.  He was the ultimate mechanic, always attempting to fix or repair or find a use for something others might have discarded.  He was always willing to lend a hand to whoever asked or when he saw a need.  
On September 26, 2001, Melvin turned a new chapter in life, marrying Judi Cornell, of Allsion, and began a passion for travel, RV living and camping, traveling to Alaska, often to Colorado, family in Georgia, to area lakes or family visits.  His two fur children, Peanut and Princess always by his side.  Fond memories that will be missed are a weekly vase of flowers he tried to keep in their home. Their first date, Melvin told Judi, he made a living as a Farmer, and he would be a Farmer till he died.
  
Melvin Lee Walser was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mamie Walser, his brother, Eldon Walser, the mother of his children, Donna Walser, a grandson, Wesley McIntyre and a great granddaughter, Josie McIntyre.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Judi Walser of Allison, his brothers Glenn Walser of Streetman and Weldon (Annette) Walser of Canadian, his children Katrina Pendergrass of Amarillo, Gwen (Kent) Sappenfield of Amarillo, John (Laura) Walser of Canadian, Robert (Tina) Walser of Waxahachie, and Melvonna (Brent) Collier of Amarillo.  He is also survived by Judi's children, Jamie (Charles) Nelson of Allison, Julie (Gary) Boydston of Allison, Jay Robertson of Reydon, OK, and Jody (Patty) Robertson of Eric, OK.  He had 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 6 great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.   
 
He will be missed. 

Memorials may be given in memory of Melvin Walser to a favorite charity.