Melvin Ray Zgabay (1946 - 2024)

Born 26 Jun 1946 in Deanville, Burleson, Texas, United States

Ancestors

Biography

OBITUARY: Melvin Ray Zgabay, 77, of Caldwell, Texas passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A public visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 in the chapel at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell. Pastor Bobby Leggett and Pastor Dayna Leggett will officiate. Burial will follow at the Elizabeth Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Melvin was born on June 26, 1946 to Louis and Ernestine (Prazak) Zgabay in Deanville. He was baptized as an infant at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dime Box, and reaffirmed his baptismal vows through confirmation at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dime Box on June 18, 1961. As a graduate of Caldwell High School in 1964, he participated in the band and played football. Melvin married the love of his life Frances (Reinhardt) Zgabay on July 31, 1965 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings. In this union they were blessed with two sons and one daughter. Melvin regularly attended Elizabeth Lutheran Church for 55 years, where he served on the church council and as an usher. He volunteered at the Elizabeth Lutheran Community Pantry, the July 3rd Celebration, and at the Deanville VFD Fundraiser every year, and was always happy to be involved in the community.

Melvin was always known as a hard worker. He worked at Alcoa in Rockdale for 39 years, retiring in 2003. Melvin enjoyed spending his time listening and dancing to polka music while working in his shed, and gardening in both Caldwell and at their house in Gus. He was a frequent at Homeyer Feed Store where he spent many, many enjoyable hours. Melvin spent many Saturday mornings in Gus in recent years, working cattle and spending time with his grandson. He especially loved being around his family, fishing with his sons, tending to his chickens, playing 42, feeding his fish, and perfecting his homemade wine that he generously shared with his community.

Melvin is preceded in death by his father Louis Zgabay, his mother and step father Fritz and Ernestine Hahn, and one sister, Barbara Zschech.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances Zgabay; three children, Jeffrey Zgabay and Rosemary Landolt of Caldwell, Stephen and Nancy Zgabay of Fedor, and Carol and Philip Schumpe of Montgomery; six grandchildren, Jacob Suehs of Gus, Rachel Zgabay of Lexington, Amanda Zgabay of Houston, Hannah Zgabay of College Station, John Schumpe of Montgomery and Rebekah Schumpe of Montgomery. He is also survived by brother Arthur and Angela Hahn of Brenham, uncle Arnold and Ruby Prazak of Lexington, and brother-in-law Alan Zschech of Lexington; as well as many other sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Hobbs, Craig Homeyer, Craig Zgabay, Bruce Blaha, Jacob Beran, Emmitt Wolz, Mike McManus and Lee Parsley. Honorary pallbearers will be Bubba Frieda, Pat Rogers, Fritz Wolz, Ken Bartnesky, Tommy Hruska, and Dwane Wiederhold.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Elizabeth Lutheran Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 675, Caldwell, Texas 77836.

Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.

Sources

OBITUARY: Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, Giddings, Texas, USA [1] accessed 28 January 2024