Melvin R. Funk, 76, of Beaumont, Texas, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas after a lengthy struggle with congestive heart failure.
He was born July 31, 1934, to Kornelius James and Marie Reimer Funk at the family farm near Felt, Oklahoma. After completing elementary school at Felt, Melvin and his two younger brothers began attending the larger public schools in nearby Clayton, New Mexico where he graduated from Clayton High School in 1952. He continued his education at Panhandle A & M College in Goodwell, Oklahoma, having the goal of a career in the oil and gas industry. While at Panhandle, he worked on the college farm and was a member of the R.O.T.C. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, minor in Geology.
With hostilities ongoing in Korea, Mr. Funk enlisted in the Army soon after graduation. He requested overseas duty with the Artillery and was stationed stateside with the Infantry. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Advanced Basic at Fort Carson, Colorado, he was stationed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. with the First Battle Group, Third Infantry - “The Old Guard,” which frequently accompanies the President at events in the Washington area and oversees the Tombs of the Unknown.
After completing service in Washington, Mr. Funk returned to Clayton and his first job at a local bank. While there, he met Shirley Farr and the two soon became engaged. After a short time he decided that banking was not for him and took his next job at a construction company based in nearby Raton, New Mexico.
In 1959 Mr. Funk became employed with Santa Fe Oil Development Corporation in Amarillo. He and Shirley were married in December of that year. While in Amarillo, his son Todd and daughter Kimberly were born. In 1966 the family moved to Andrews where he was employed for many years with Amoco, retiring in the mid 80’s. He resided in the Andrews area more than thirty-five years, where he and the family were active members of First Baptist Church. He was also an avid supporter of local sports. He resided in the Beaumont area the past several years to be closer to family and especially enjoyed the activities of grandsons Travis and Anthony.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim Burk and her husband Paul; grandsons, Travis Burk and Anthony Burk, all of Beaumont; son, Todd of Richmond; sister, Clara and Reverend Raymond Vogt of Tulsa; sister, Rose and Dr. Alvin Wiens of Mountain Lake, Minnesota; brother, Joe and Brenda Funk of Duncanville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; sisters, Martha and Betty; and brothers, Lawrence, Bud, and Harry.
Mr. Funk supported several charitable organizations including Focus on the Family, Wallbuilders, Children’s Hope Chest, and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch.
His funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 15, 2010, at Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be from 12:00 noon until time of service on Sunday at Broussard’s. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at Andrews West Cemetery in Andrews, Texas.
