Melvin Paul Schexnider, 85, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Stone Creek Nursing and Rehab in San Augustine.

Melvin was born in Gueydan, Louisiana on March 20, 1936 to Eve Longion and Obrey Schexnider.  He spent his early years in Louisiana, but grew up in Groves, Texas.  He never forgot his Cajun roots and returned often to visit family there.

Melvin served his country in the US  Army, the National Guard of the United States and the Army National Guard of Texas from 1954 to 1962.

He had many jobs over the course of his life.  He worked as a painter and an air conditioner repairman. He owned a restaurant and a family game center. Melvin also worked at the Gulf Shipyard and was a boilermaker at Neches Butane in Port Neches.

He and his wife, Edwina (Winnie) volunteered at the Fairmount Fire Department and attended Community Fellowship Church where they helped to set up a scholarship fund for graduating seniors.

Melvin loved the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman spending many hours on the lake.  His best fish story was about a 75 pound "whopper" of a catfish that filled his freezer.

In his later years, he would rise before the sun and sit on his porch with a cup of coffee, watching his birds and in prayer.  He said it was his favorite time of day.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Edwina Schexnider, his parents, Eve and Obrey Schexnider, a brother, Andrus Schexnider, a sister, Dorothy Schexnider Keith and her husband, James Keith and a niece, Debbie Keith Dupuis.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Chrissy Schexnider Tompkins; nieces, Cynthia Gillespie, Pam Schexnider and Angel Reynaud; five great nephews and nieces – Michelle Kilgus, Stacey Gillespie, Lindsey Gillespie, James Dupuis, Jonah Reynaud and Aubree Reynaud; and four great-great nephews, Obrey, Marin, and Iain Kilgus and Charles Brown.

He was loved and he will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Fairmount Cemetery in the Fairmount Community of Sabine County under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Daniel Serenil officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to the Community Fellowship Church Scholarship Fund, 3748 Fairdale Road, Hemphill, TX 75948.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.