"Karen As I stood in my yard lamenting the demise of my flower garden(due to very hungry rabbits) Melvin walked over and said. "I have a solution for that!" (Rabbit stew on the menu!!) Melvin we will miss your kindness and sense of humor friend. May the good Lord bless and keep you."
In loving memory of
Melvin Franklin Hees
August 24, 1933 - May 19, 2020
DUE TO CORONA VIRUS RESTRICTIONS, PLEASE KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS IN MIND WHEN ATTENDING THE SERVICE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AN ONLINE CONDOLENCE OR REACH OUT BY PHONE TO SHOW YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME.
A celebration of Melvin's life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Grace Free Church in Allen, TX at 10:30 am. The address is : 2005 Estates Pkwy., Allen, TX. 75002, ph: 972-727-4512. If you plan to attend, you must wear a face mask, and please keep social distancing in mind. The family requests casual dress, no coat and ties.
Donations in Melvin's honor may be made to the church youth fund or benevolent fund at the above address or to Yellow Rose Hospice in Carrollton, TX.
Melvin Franklin Hees, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 19, 2020. In his latter days, he spoke often of going to his "heavenly home". Melvin was born on August 24, 1933, in Manor, TX to parents Earnest J. and Dora Prinz Hees. In 1937, at the age of 4 Melvin's family moved to Harlingen, TX, where he lived until 1952. His family were devout Lutherans and learning about God was an essential part of the children's education.
In 1952, Melvin joined the Navy and proudly served for 4 years in the submarine service on the USS Baya. Melvin was introduced to the love of his life through a cousin. After a very short courtship, he married Glenda Flemming on March 19, 1955.
Melvin worked for 50 years in management for an Armored Car business, where he was often commended for his strong work ethic. He was an active member of the First Evangelical Free Church in Austin, TX until 1975 when the family moved to Plano, TX. Then, in 1977 he helped start Grace Evangelical Free church in Allen, TX and was an active member there until his death.
Melvin made friends wherever he went and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed outdoor activities including water and snow skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was especially fond of the 33 years he acted as a judge at the World Championship Goat Cook off in Brady, TX.
Melvin loved his wife, family, and friends unconditionally. Most of all, he loved Jesus Christ and openly confessed his beliefs. He was never afraid to ask, "are you saved?"
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Mark Hees, a daughter in law, Nancy Hees, a grandson Adam King, his brothers: Gilbert, Lawrence, Leonard, Reuben, and Donald. Another brother, Harold passed away 46 hours after Melvin.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Glenda. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth Garrison, his children: Shawn Ross (Craig), Shelli Lankford (Brad), Brett Hees (Jennifer), Becca Toler (Phillip); 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Melvin was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Tributes
"Melvin has always been a cheerful guy! He?s always patient and full of jokes when trying to share his life wisdom with me! Now that he is with Lord in heaven, may eternal peace and joy encompass him. I?ll keep Melvin and Glenda?s family in prayer. Stay strong and god bless !"
"I will never forget the work that Glenda and Melvin did as our youth sponsors at First Free Church in Austin. Even years later when you would run into Glenda and Melvin they were always interested in hearing how our lives were going. I also remember the day August 1, 1966 when Mel and an associate drove their armored car to the main mall on the University of Texas campus to rescue several students from Whitman's gunfire from the University of Texas tower. He was one of many heroes that day. https://thedailytexan.com/2016/07/29/fifty-years-later-heroes-help-gun-victims"
"Glenda keeping you and your children and families in our prayers. Your precious sister (Kathy) has kept us informed. Just know you?all are in our prayers. Jim and I have so many good memories to hang on to. Be safe.God Bless Love you."
"I am sorry to learn of our loss (Heaven's gain) of this giant of a man, Melvin Hees. A "giant" in the way that he had a huge heart. I too, remember the good times we had when he and Glenda sponsored our FCYF group at Austin First Ev Free in the late '60s. They took a bold step of faith in their decision to lead us. They were great mentors to a group of unruly teenagers. I remember that Mel never passed up an opportunity to share his testimony and love for his Savior. I also remember he once went rattlesnake hunting with a bunch of us guys in Round Rock. We could hear his infectious laugh the whole time. We'll see you again on that glorious Day, my friend."
"Remembering times together. We will see him again because of our mutual faith in Jesus Christ. Roland Gamble"
"I have known precious Glenda almost all my life and she and all of her family are so dear and precious to me. Her beloved husband, Melvin, was undoubtedly one of the sweetest men I have ever known. He was a beautiful man - inside and out! The love of the Lord shone in his precious, loving smile! He is safe in the arms of Jesus, and one day we will be reunited in Heaven. My daughter shares my feelings for precious Melvin."
"I have known precious Glenda almost all my life and she and all of her family are so dear and precious to me. Her beloved husband, Melvin, was undoubtedly one of the sweetest men I have ever known. He was a beautiful man - inside and out! The love of the Lord shone in his precious, loving smile! He is safe in the arms of Jesus, and one day we will be reunited in Heaven. My daughter shares my feelings for precious Melvin."
"I met Mr. Hees several years ago at my friend Shelli's house. Right away, this gentle man was so loving and inviting, like I was one of the family. I could tell that his smile and conversation with me was from a heart of love. I am so grateful to have met him. I pray for your family, that God will give you great and unspeakable comfort and joy knowing that He has received your loving father to his bosom.
Alicea Jones"
"James Motley, Melvin became my brother in law about 6 years ago. He was a true friend and would give you the shirt off his back. He always had uplifting advice and loved the Lord with all of his heart. I will miss him dearly, and I know that he is in the loving arms of our Father in Heaven. I am truly blessed to have had Melvin as my friend. My prayers for Glenda and the family, James Motley "
"I will miss my friend, Melvin. He was kind and patient to me, when I was a young man, and graciously imparted Godly wisdom into my life. I am thankful for our relationship, and the impact he made on me as he invested in my life. He was truly a faithful and humble servant of the Lord."
"Dear Glenda and family, My loving prayers continue. I know Melvin's family and friends that had already passed surrounded him with love and eased his mind and body on his journey home. Such a truly wonderful gentleman. I will surely miss him. Deepest sympathy and love from my heart. Ginny Thurber"
"I remember while I was at Fort Hood Melvin and Glenda took me in as part of the family. Ruth and Bill also. I remember the Hees and Kilmer softball team, very seldom lost, 8 Hees and 2 others. He was a real hero. You are missed."
"I have the fondest memories of Melvin and all of you Hees folks! He was always smiling, always had a good word and made me feel special and loved. I know that?s the way he made each of you feel too. He will be missed here but he is reunited with those who have gone before him and will welcome those who join him later. All my love to Glenda and the Hees tribe. Goodbye dear Melvin. My prayers are with each of you."
"Dear Glenda and family received my deepest condolences for the loss of Melvin. Rest In Peace. Praying for you and your family Maru Rocha "
"We were sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. Our fondest memories are of Melvin and Glenda serving as our FCYF sponsors at the First Evangelical Free Church in Austin. Many enjoyable times were had with them during this time in our lives. I will never forget the advice that Melvin gave to us at our wedding (50 years ago this coming July 18th). As he congratulated us in the receiving line he told us to never go to bed angry. Something I have thought of many times during all these years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hees family. Vickie & David Westlund"
"I was really sad to hear of Melvin's passing today. Melvin and I worked together in the old Purolater/Loomis Armored car days. He was a great friend and a joy to work with. It's rare when you work with someone and they also become a good friend. So many stories of Melvin and me come flashing into my mind at this moment. Too many to put in writing. I loved him like a brother. Rest in peace, old friend. My heart goes out to his wife Glenda and their family."
"Melvin Hees was our Boys Brigade leader at First Evangelical Free Church in the 60s. He was a giant of a man to us. His son Mark and I ?borrowed? his edger motor for my go kart and the next day at church he told my dad he was going to edge his yard but the motor was missing! Bless the Hees family at this time. Alan Hermanson"