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

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

Memorial services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, September 26, 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. He 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 study at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, but was drafted into the Army before college graduation. Before going to basic training, he married Donna Durant. Together, they had five children.

Melvin served as a draftsman in the Army Corp of Engineers in San Antonio. Upon his discharge, he returned to Canadian, back to the farm, working part-time at night for the City 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 attending college classes at night. He graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree, and a minor in Electrical Engineering. Needless to say, mathematical equations were a passion of his, and he did not shy away from hard work. Several of the designs Melvin made while an employee at Clark Equipment were patented.

During his time in Lubbock, Melvin was an active Church of Christ deacon in the small farm community of Sunrise. He also shared 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 more quickly.

The mid-70’s brought Melvin and family back to Canadian, where he resumed his farm and ranch career and passed 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 the Hemphill County Farm Bureau and as a member of the Hemphill County Underground Water Conservation District 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. He was also an avid bowler, but his main entertainment was watching football—especially the Canadian Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys! In his earlier years, Melvin took hunting trips into New Mexico and Colorado, and upon his return, processed 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 Allison, and began following a passion for travel, RV living and camping, traveling to Alaska, often to Colorado, to Georgia, and to area lakes or for family visits. His two furry children, Peanut and Princess, were always by his side. Fond memories that will be missed include the weekly vase of flowers he tried to keep in their home. On their first date, Melvin told Judi, he made his living as a farmer, and he would be a farmer until he died.

Melvin 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, Oklahoma, and Jody (Patty) Robertson of Eric, Oklahoma. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, six 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.