Surrounded by his loving family, Melvin Joe Stancik, 83, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, Mar. 14 at his home in Eagle Lake.

Melvin was born on Feb. 28, 1938 in Shaw’s Bend, the seventh child of Emma Ahlgrim and Joseph Stancik. Melvin and his two sisters and four brothers grew up and attended school in the Shaw’s Bend area. Their family worked on cotton and corn fields in Colorado and Fayette counties. In 1956, the family moved to the Eagle Lake area and Melvin went to work in the AB Grocery Store.

In early 1957, Melvin was introduced to Joyce Matthews, a senior at Eagle Lake High School. They went on their first date Apr. 12, 1957. Exactly two years later - Apr. 12, 1959 - they were married at First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake. Throughout the next 61 years, Melvin treated Joyce like a queen. In fact, she has never filled her car with gas in her life! Rarely ever apart, he accompanied her just about everywhere, in cluding doctors’ appoint ments, hair appointments, meetings, and shopping trips to Dillard’s and Hobby Lobby. Their marriage provided an example of love, faith, and devotion to their children.

Following their marriage, Melvin and Joyce lived and worked in the El Campo area for a brief time. The newlyweds then returned to Eagle Lake in July 1960, where Melvin went to work at the Furniture Shoppe and the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home.

In September 1961, during the Cuban Crisis, Melvin was drafted into the Army. He reported for duty to Fort Hood, and was sent to Fort Carson, CO for basic training, then was assigned to Fort Huachuca, AZ. In July 1962, Melvin received overseas orders. He would spend the next 13 months in Korea. He was honorably discharged in September 1963. Melvin returned to Eagle Lake and his work at the Furniture Shoppe and the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home.

Two children were born to Melvin and Joyce -- Darlene Marie Dec. 6, 1967 and Darrell Milton May 23, 1970. They gained a daughter-in-love Mar. 20, 1993, when Darrell married Christi Pyssen. They then added a sonin-love Dec. 16, 1995, when Darlene married Jeff Argo. Melvin was so proud of his children. He taught and demonstrated to them the value of hard work. He worked hard so that they had everything they needed and most everything they wanted. He often said he was ‘not very smart’ as he was only able to complete sixth grade before having to work in the fields with his family. Ironically though, he was smarter and more successful than any businessman around. He encouraged his children to follow their dreams and was thrilled to see them realize successful careers in their chosen fields Darlene as a nurse and Darrell as a law enforcement officer and business owner.

In 1995, Melvin and Joyce purchased the Furniture Shoppe, which Melvin (sometimes locally referred to as “Mattress Melvin”) operated until January 2009. He always had a smile and enjoyed visiting with everyone who came in the door. When Darrell and his family relocated to Eagle Lake, the store incorporated, and Darrell became the President of the corporation. Melvin was then “sometimes” retired and “sometimes” a helper at the Furniture Shoppe.

Melvin joined the Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department in September 1967. He served for 26 and a half years (16 of those years as Secretary for the Department), retiring in 1993. Following his retirement, he was a frequent visitor at business meetings and always supported their various fundraising endeavors particularly that yummy stew supper!

Melvin loved the Lord and he depended on his deep faith to guide him always. He often said to his family, “Y’all worry too much. God’s got this.” He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake, where he was ordained as a Deacon in September 1970. Holding a very special place in his heart, this church was the site of his and Joyce’s wedding, the weddings of his children, and the baptisms of his children, grandchildren, and son-in-love. Like Jesus, Melvin loved all the little children - and they loved him. He took his time to hug each one every Sunday. He greeted everyone - adults and children alike - every single Sunday before church and the pastor knew to go ahead and start the service even though Melvin was still making his way around the sanctuary with his greetings.

Not only was Melvin a faithful deacon, a dedicated member of the Fire Department, and a superhero to his family, but he was also a pillar of the Eagle Lake community and of Colorado County, having served in many organizations. He was a charter member of the Eagle Lake Ambulance Corps in 1973. He coached Little League from 1977-1984. He served as a City Alderman from 1991-1993. He was a member of the Colorado County Historical Commission.

Honored to have served his country and defend its flag, Melvin was a dedicated lifetime member of Eagle Lake VFW No.8783, which later became the Eagle Lake Ex-Military Association.

He was a devout Rice Raider fan and could be found under the Friday night lights, aside his buddies, cheering on his favorite high school team.

Melvin was a loving and devoted friend. He truly never met a stranger. One of his favorite activities was to share conversation with a friend - or stranger - over a good cup of coffee. He so enjoyed his time with the ‘Coffee Shop Guys’ every morning, followed by a visit to Johnny’s Barber Shop to keep up with all the latest news. He kicked up conversations with everyone he met, and, by the end of the conversation, he knew their entire life history - and they, his! He loved to visit with everyone - young and old alike - and his kids have fondly proclaimed many times that he could talk to a wall, make it talk back, and walk away as it’s best buddy!

Though Melvin was known by many titles in his life: son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, husband, father, owner, coach, councilman, firefighter, veteran, deacon, and friend - among others, his proudest title was grandfather. Melvin was the very proud “Papaw” to three incredible grandchildren - Madisyn Alysse Stancik (born Nov. 27, 1997), Maisyn Alexandra Stancik (born Oct. 14, 2000), and Samuel Dean Argo (born Aug. 14, 2003). His grandchildren were the apples of his eyes. Throughout the years, Papaw proudly attended as many livestock shows and sales, sports events, and school programs as he was able. He happily chauffeured the kids from one place to another, guided the girls in caring for their calves, and was always there to provide “the usual” to a hungry Sam.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ludwig and Emma Ahlgrim Stancik; his sisters and brothers: Lillie Stancik Poenitzsch, Onie Mae Stancik Horndt, Alvin Stancik, Lee Roy Stancik, Arthur “Mickey” Stancik, and Clinton Stancik; brothers-in-love Lloyd Poenitzsch and Clarence Horndt; sisters-in-love Frances Klump Stancik, Martha Laake Stancik, and Rosie Gold Stancik; nieces Polly Poenitzsch McRoberts and Deborah Poenitzsch Bankston; and nephews Edward Joe Stancik, Michael Horndt, and Stancik.

Left to cherish and celebrate his memory are his wife of more than 61 years, Joyce Matthews Stancik; daughter and son-in-love, Darlene and Jeff Argo; son and daughter-in-love, Darrell and Christi Stancik; grandchildren Madisyn and Maisyn Stancik, and Sam Argo; extended family Curtis and Lisa Rose; sister-in-love Bernice Schobel Stancik; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Pallbearers are David Stancik, James Horndt, Mark Stancik, Elliott Stancik, Harvey Poenitzsch, Johnny Prazak, Joe Salinas and Clinton Mascheck. Honorary pallbearers are ‘Coffee Shop Guys’, Deacons of First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, Texas, Retired Firefighters of Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Veterans of Eagle Lake Ex-Military Association.

Flag Bearers are Chad Sunderman, Kurt Sunderman, J C Cooper and Robert Boone. Trumpeteer is Eddie Hernandez.

Visitation will be Friday, Mar. 19 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, and Saturday, Mar. 20 from 9 - 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake.

Funeral Service is Saturday, Mar. 20 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake. Dr. George Gaston will officiate. Flag Presentation and Graveside Service will be Saturday, Mar. 20 following the funeral service at Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake. Services are under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake, PO Box 339, Eagle Lake, TX 77434 or Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 801, Eagle Lake, TX 77434.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.

I will always be blue when the thought of my friend Melvin crosses my mind. We worked together like a hand in a glove. We will be lost without him. Gonna miss ya buddy. Til we meet again, go in peace and save me a seat.

JC

It's been about 5 years now since the passing of a good friend, Earl Rogers. I miss him everytime I pass by the Dairy Queen. If the tables in that place could talk. I followed Earl as Quartermaster of the local VFW and he took his time teaching me the ropes. He was not ever in a rush to just get through with it. He was thorough and made sure I understood every little intricacy before we moved on to the next topic. Miss you Earl. You were truly one of the good guys.

JC Cooper