CENTERVILLE—Robert Eugene Melcher, 80, went to be w i th his Heavenly Father on Jan. 28, 2026, in Cypress, after courageously battling a lengthy illness.
Se r v i c es were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Walters Funeral Home in Centerville. Burial followed immediately in New Salem Cemetery in Centerville.
Robert, known to all as Bob, was born on Nov. 29, Mr. Melcher
1945, in Fedor to Richard and Hildegard (Domann) Melcher. He was confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Rockdale on Sept. 4, 1960.
Bob graduated from Rockdale High School in 1964 and from the Commonwealth College of Science in Houston in 1965.
On June 11, 1966, Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Rodell, in Centerville. Together they built a life in Rockdale, where they raised their three daughters.
Bob was a devoted deacon at Meadowbrook Baptist Church for many years.
Bob dedicated much of his professional life to serving others. He worked as a funeral director for Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home and later as a bookkeeper for Phillips & Luckey Life Insurance and William C. Raymond Oil & Gas. He ultimately returned to funeral directing, retiring from Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in 2013.
In 2022, Bob and Donna relocated to Cypress, where they became members of Second Baptist Church – Cypress.
Bob wi l l be fondly remembered for his strong faith, deep love and dedication to family, and his warm sense of humor. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, listening to music, barbecuing and spending time with family and friends— moments that will be dearly missed.
An avid outdoorsman from an early age, Bob spent many summers fishing with his father, brother and cousins on family property in Fedor and along the Colorado River. He was active in Boy Scouts throughout his youth and later served as a scout leader.
His greatest passion was hunting whitetail deer, an activity he treasured with family and close friends. Hunting also allowed him to search for and collect arrowheads, one of his favorite hobbies.
Bob continued sharing his love of the outdoors with his grandsons, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Bob was also known for his delicious barbecue chicken. He took great joy in loading his pit with as many chickens as possible to ensure there was plenty for everyone to enjoy.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Donna (Rodell) Melcher; his three daughters, Stacey Beason- Burklund (Gene), Jennifer Taylor and Robin Hillis (Keith); grandchildren Austin Burklund, Christopher Beason (Courtney), Nicholas Beason (Ginny), Ally Hillis and Camden Hillis; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle Lieb and Hayden Lieb.
He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Melcher (Judy), Peggy Crane (Earl) and Richard Melcher, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Hildegard Melcher, and his sister, Teresa Griffi th.
Pallbearers were Rick Henderson, Jim Melcher, Gene Burklund, Keith Hillis, Christopher Beason and Nicholas Beason Honorary pallbearers were James Dunn, Bill Raymond, James Schlemmer and Stanley Betchan In lieu of flowers, memorial donations honoring Robert Melcher may be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or at MDAnderson.org/Gifts.
Ar rangements were entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.