Melvin Kilsby

Melvin Wayne Kilsby, 79, left this earth and joined our heavenly Father surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at his home in West Columbia, Texas. He was born on December 18, 1938 in Damon, Texas to Mary Lee and Merle Clark Kilsby. In 1957 Melvin worked at the filling station in West Columbia, Texas where he met Roberta Faye Stoller and later married the love of his life on December 18, 1957, where they shared 60 years of love and marriage. After marrying he began working construction on dams and roads until he was drafted on his 21st birthday into the United States Army where he served for two years as a tank driver. After being discharged, Melvin returned to construction traveling to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Oregon. In 1967 Melvin began working at Dow until he later followed his dream and received his license to sell and repair A/C and Heating Units. In the early 1970s, Melvin went on to open, KK Air Heating and Air Conditioning in West Columbia, Texas, where he served the community and surrounding areas until he finally retired in 2016.

He was a beloved husband, father, friend, and papa. His passions included hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his friends and family. His friendly manner and big heart will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia with Ernie Hutchings officiating.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lee Hoelewyn and Merle Clark Kilsby; brother, James Ezra Smith; nephew, Christopher Ray Smith; along with his grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Kilsby of West Columbia; sister, Carolyn Logan and husband, Jerry of West Columbia; daughter, Cynthia Bernshausen and husband, Harry of West Columbia; son, Robert Kilsby and wife, Ashley of West Columbia; grandchildren, Brittany McDonald, Matthew McDonald and wife, Mariah, Kelsey Hendricks and husband, Will, Tyler Kilsby, Mackenna Kilsby, and Kason Kilsby; great-grandchildren, Peyton McDonald, Tenlee McDonald, and Bowie McDonald; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

"I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray; when in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep that in His mercy, I be judged big enough to keep." Author unknown.

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