Melvin Kelm

Melvin Otto Kelm, age 100, was called home to his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, August 2, 2014. He leaves an incredible legacy as a man of enduring faith who left an indelible mark on so many. He was born in the rural community of Artesian Park, Burton, Texas on July 9, 1914 to Edward Kelm and Caroline Kammerer Kelm. Melvin was baptized January 14, 1915 by Pastor Karl Mueller at Zionsville Lutheran Church of Zionsville, Texas and confirmed on April 13, 1930 at Zionsville Lutheran Church by Pastor Mueller. Melvin was educated in the Long Point Public Schools and a graduate of Brenham High School of 1934. His continuing education also included several business seminars. Melvin married Ruby Anna Landua on June 6, 1937 at St. Paul''s Lutheran Church of Rehburg by Pastor C.A. Lehne. They continued to share and expand their faith for more than 60 years at St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham. Throughout Melvin''s life, his trust in God became his road map to eternal life. Melvin is survived by his wife of 77 years, Ruby and one sister, Gladys Wilhelmsen; daughter Mary Lee Crump and husband, Troy; son, Thomas Wayne Kelm and wife, Peggy; son, Charles Andrew Kelm and wife, Patricia; daughter Jo Lynn Davis and husband, Steve. He is also survived by grandchildren: Julie Campos and husband, Steve; Matthew Kelm and wife, Robin; Lauren Haevischer and husband, Darren; Marian Eckert and husband, Michael; Mitchell Davis and wife, Aubrey; Elliott Davis and significant other Larissa Green; Payton Kelm, Great-grandchildren: Cara Campos, Colin Campos, Eva Kelm, Simone Kelm, Laityn Davis, Chet Eckert and Hudson Eckert and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Caroline Kammerer Kelm, grandson, Joshua Ian Kelm, brother and sister-in-law, Alex and Florence Kelm; sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Karl Duerr; sister and brother-in-law, Esther and Bob Legan; brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Edna Kelm; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Rosalie Kelm, brother-in-law, Henry Wilhelmsen, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lespa and Adeline Landua, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, R. Lee and Bernadine Landua. Melvin''s career in the auto supply business began in 1936 with Schultz Auto Supply in Brenham. In 1939 he became branch manager for Joe L. Ward Company in Corsicana, Texas. He transferred to Brenham as branch manager in 1943 and was employed with the company for 47 years. During years of dedicated employment, he traveled by car to call on customers in 88 towns and cities throughout Texas. During his life, Melvin enjoyed being active in organizing youth programs including Boy Scouts, Washington County Little League, church councils and numerous civic organizations including the Brenham Industrial Foundation. He was a founding member in organizing the Hermann and Emilie Kelm Family Reunion, a tradition that continues annually for over fifty years. He loved playing cards, dominoes, dancing, fishing, learning new things through reading and researching, and inventing new gadgets out of recycled materials to make life easier. In the most recent years, Melvin created ropes out of baling twine and crafted hundreds of crosses out of newspaper. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time and sharing humorous anecdotes with his family during holidays and other special occasions. The family wishes to express a special thanks to loving caregivers at their home and at LaRoche Manor over the past years. Pallbearers are nephews: Leslie Kelm, Glen Kelm, Dennis Landua, Royce Landua, James R. Landua, Karl Duerr Jr., Dana Wilhelmsen, Ronald Wilhelmsen, Curtis Kelm and Russell Kelm. Honorary Pallbearers: Grandsons: Matthew Kelm, Mitchell Davis, Elliott Davis and Payton Kelm. Honorary pallbearers and pecial friends, Roy Luedemann, J. C. Pohl, Garland Sehlke and J. C. Buenger. Family visitation will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 from 6-8 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham, Texas. Funeral services celebrating Melvin''s life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 11 am at St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham, 305 West Third Street, Brenham, Texas, with Pastor Phil Fenton and Pastor Kindlee Lund officiating. Burial to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to St. Paul''s Christian Day School or a local charity of choice. Funeral arrangements for Melvin Otto Kelm are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.