Melvin Eilers, Sr., age 92, was born on February 28, 1922 in Pottsville, TX to William & Helen Rapp Eilers. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pottsville, TX. He graduated from Pottsville High School in 1940. Melvin served his country in WWII, being inducted into the US Army Air Corp in 1942. He received four Bronze Battle Stars – Rome Arno, Italy, Southern France and North Apennines and Po Valley, Italy. He was discharged in 1945. He was united in marriage to Aline Knipstein on March 28, 1943. To this union four children were born, Melvin, Jr., Larry, Donna & William. Aline preceded him in death on May 1, 1983. Melvin married Leona Zschiesche on June 23, 1984 and they resided in Hamilton, TX. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion where he served as Commander and held numerous other offices. He was an Agent for Germania Insurance for 50 years and a farmer and rancher all of his life. Melvin is survived by his children, Melvin Eilers, Jr. & wife Gwen, Larry Eilers & wife Pam, Donna Wagner & William (Bill) Eilers & wife Diane. His grandchildren, Cathy, Jenni, Leslie, Jasen, Cassi, Brad, Greg, Nathan, Ciara, Evan, Erich & Alina and twelve great grandchildren. Also survived by his wife Leona Eilers & step-children Threasa Boyar, Janice Canard and David Low, Michael & Ernestine Zschiesche, and Yvonne and Howard Martin and several grandchildren & great grandchildren. Funeral services have been set for 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 26 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville, TX. Burial will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 25 at Riley Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Jasen Wagner, Brad Eilers, Greg Eilers, Grant Cline, Evan Eilers, Erich Eilers, Wade Purtell, Quinc Pearcy, Nathan Butler, & Justin Montandon. Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Wagner, Jerome Pietzsch, Raymond Eilers, Alvis Eilers & Ervin Seims. Melvin was a role model to his children in all that was good, loving, honest and ethical. He made sure his children knew material possessions did not measure the worth or integrity of a person. He will be missed. Memorials to be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery or the Trinity Lutheran Church. Please leave online condolences at www.rileyfuneral.com. Riley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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