Melvin August Schilling

Melvin August Schilling, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was called to his eternal home on November 7, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on March 7, 1929, in the quaint town of Winedale, Texas, to Adolph and Olga Makowsky Schilling. He was baptized on June 16, 1929 at Winedale Lutheran Church and he reaffirmed his Christian faith through Confirmation on February 7, 1943 in Greenvine, Texas at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Melvin's life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and hard work.
He served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953 being stationed in the Panama Canal Zone during the Korean War.
After being discharged from the Army, Melvin married the love of his life, Dorothy Lehmann on August 22, 1954 at Salem Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas. Married for over 71 years, Melvin and Dorothy celebrated this milestone in their home surrounded by family, flowers, and balloons a few months ago.
Melvin spent his early years working as a painter with his older brother painting many structures in Washington County. Then Melvin began a career in retail after achieving his Associate's degree from Blinn Junior College. For over 35 years, he worked for Perry Brothers (a Texas regional variety store). He managed stores in Brenham, Edna, and La Grange, Texas. He managed the La Grange location of Perry Brothers from 1966 to 1992, which earned him the nickname "Mr Perry." He managed the move of the Perry's store from the east side of the square to the HEB center location. The store permanently closed and Melvin retired on the same day in September, 1992. During his career, he served on the La Grange Lion's Club and La Grange Chamber of Commerce.
Melvin served with American Legion Post 102 for 55 years. Last month he was recognized as being the longest serving and the oldest member of this Post. After serving as the Post's Historian for many years he was given the Service of Valor quilt. Melvin felt honored to have volunteered throughout the many years; assisting and serving the local La Grange military community.
Melvin enjoyed fishing starting at a young age in creeks with his brothers and later on special occasions at Port Lavaca/Aransas Pass. He had a special talent for woodworking. He was creative in making practical as well as decorative creations. He could seemingly fix or repair anything. His family and friends have many refurbished or built creations to keep his memory alive in our homes. He and his family prospered from his gardening skills, which produced blue ribbon produce recognized at the Fayette County Fair. He had a fondness for growing pecan trees in his yard and his extensive orchards. In retirement, he loved every moment tending to the Lehmann-Hill Farm in Washington County.
Melvin attended most every family event of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years. Being around his family was always a special time for Melvin. In recent years having his great grandchildren visit always put the biggest smile on his face. We hold dearly the fond memories of our extended family functions especially of he and his brothers telling old stories or churning homemade ice cream over Memorial Day Weekend. He was very proud in his German heritage and passed this to his family. As a member of the Texas German Society chapter, he promoted the German heritage in the community and shared his love of the German language by speaking it frequently.
Melvin was an active member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange for most of his life. Through his church, Melvin also volunteered his time helping at Second Chance Emporium for a number of years.
Melvin is survived by his wife Dorothy Lehmann Schilling; three daughters Sharon and husband, Johnny Dobecka of Bellville; Lorie and husband, Brent Winkler of Bulverde; and Marlene and husband, Stephen Weyer of Bleiblerville; Grandchildren Allison (Alan) Wilson, Jeffrey (Mary) Dobecka, James (Danielle) Dobecka, Cory Winkler, Abby Winkler, Meredith (Will) Meyer, and Michael Weyer; Great-grandchildren, Julianna, Andrew, Owen, John, Trudy, and Jack August Dobecka, and Elizabeth Wilson. He is also survived by his sister Vernell Mertz, sister-in-law, Caroline Fagan, and numerous nieces and nephews that were all very special to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents in law Edgar and Viola Hill Lehmann, his brothers and sisters in law Delphine and Gladys Schilling and Lee Roy and Neville Schilling, brother-in-law, Willie Mertz, nephew, Larry Schilling, and nieces, Dottie Herrmann and Carol Leitzel.
The family would like to thank the staff of JOL Hospice and Monument Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their care in his final days. The family would also like to thank the exceptional angels that were Melvin's devoted caregivers Jessica, Amanda, Tammy, Evon and Marilyn and Melvin's special medical staff, Dr. Hinze, Dr. Blackwell, Angelo, Sara, Lia, and Jane.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange. The family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #102 immediately following the church service. A private family graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Burton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Auxiliary Post #102, to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange, or to a charity of one's choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.