Melvin Robert Fetters

Melvin Robert Fetters went to be with his Lord on Friday, October 7, 2016 at the age of 85 - surrounded by his loving family at Kirkwood Manor in New Braunfels, Texas. Melvin was born on September 5, 1931 to Melvin A. Fetters and Ruth Anna Fetters in St. Louis, Missouri. He had many talents as a young man, but one of his greatest passions was his love of music, and particularly the accordion. He was in a band as a very young man, and always loved playing music for friends and family, on either his accordion or his piano. Melvin was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served for over 21 years, and was a Veteran of two wars, Korea and Vietnam. While serving his country, he was fortunate to live in some very unique places, such as Greenland and Thailand. He retired from the Air Force in 1973. He married Dorothy Lapaglia Feltner, who had lost her first husband, Arno, in 1970. It was, indeed, a match made in heaven, and the two of them enjoyed a beautiful 39 year marriage – where they were seldom apart from each other's side. After Melvin's retirement from the armed forces, he took a job with the United State Postal Service where he worked for nearly 20 years. After retirement, he and Dorothy loved to take trips to see friends and family. They traveled to Hawaii, California and Florida during that time. Melvin was an immediate hit with Dorothy's 12 brothers and sisters. They all loved his kind heart, gentle spirit and caring nature.
Melvin had many hobbies during his life. He was an avid stamp collector and calligrapher. His beautiful handwriting was admired by many people throughout the years. Upon marrying Dorothy, Melvin became an instant stepfather to Dorothy's teenage daughter (Lisa) and young adult son (Arnold Don). He was such a great father and provider to both of them - and an even greater grandfather to their children. His humbleness and good heart made him easy to love.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin A. and Ruth Anna Fetters; his first wife, Edna Harborth Fetters; His stepson, Arnold Don Feltner; his sisters Joy Fetters and Shirley Fetters Duncan, and her husband, James; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Feltner and her husband Gus; and brothers-in-law, Carsdonia, Tony (and his wife Minnie); Joe Lapaglia and David Sellers; and sister-in-law, Mary Helen Lapaglia.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Fetters; a step-daughter, Lisa Feltner Brucks and her husband Ken; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Feltner; grandsons Jason Feltner and Blaine Brucks; a granddaughter, Lauren Brucks Saunders, and her husband Brian; a Sister, Rita Green and her husband Don, as well as brothers-in –law, Sam (Hilda), Phillip (Margaret), Mike (Charlotte), Patrick, Johnny (Aleta) and Louis (Janelle) Lapaglia, and sisters-in-law, Rosie Sellers and Bessie Lapaglia. Melvin is also survived by many many nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation at Zoeller Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. A service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Please join us in the celebration of such a beautiful life.
The family would like to thank Dr. Warren Albrecht for all of his wonderful care and friendship over the years, as well as Drs. Johnson, Alvarado, Trusevich, and Rossbach. We would also like to thank Pastor Chuck Huckabee and Jill Rodriguez from First Protestant Church, as well as the wonderful caring staffs at Christus New Braunfels Hospital, New Braunfels Rehabilitation Center, Kirkwood Manor, and Norma, Sara and Megan at Hope Hospice. We would especially like to thank our dear friend, Michelle Mullins who has been an angel, and a true gift from God throughout the final days of Melvin's life. Memorials may be made in Melvin's memory to First Protestant Church or Hope Hospice.