Francis Melkus

"Francis lived his life with integrity, devotion, and love and leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by his family and friends."

Francis R. Melkus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Amarillo, Texas, on September 24, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on December 4, 1936, at the family home in the Farry community of Freedom, Oklahoma, to Alba and Laura Melkus and had two brothers Keith and Lowell.

Francis was a proud graduate of Farry High School (Class of 1954) where he played basketball. He continued his education at Northwestern State College in Alva where he spent three years studying before beginning his career in the grocery industry, serving many roles from grocery stocker to assistant manager. Over the course of 46 years, he worked for Blakemore Grocery, Safeway, and Homeland, transferring from Alva to Cherokee, then to Lubbock, and finally settling in Amarillo, Texas, making it his home.

On September 8, 1963, Francis married Mary G. Stewart (his red-headed vixen) at the Methodist Church in Freedom, Oklahoma. Their marriage of 62 years was one of true love and partnership. Together, they raised four children, who were the pride and joy of their lives. Francis was a dedicated father, always putting family first. He worked night shifts so he could be present at every school play, sporting event, and family gathering. His devotion to his children extended beyond the normal every day. He participated in many of their activities, built many projects for his kids, and was assistant Boy Scout leader of Troop 65.

Some of his hobbies were gardening (gourds and squash) and crocheting (making everyone a blanket) – both he entered into the fair winning awards. He enjoyed making PowerPoint presentations for family and friends and loved collecting M&Ms, shot glasses, Indians and his beloved Eagles.

Francis and Mary traveled extensively, exploring 28 states and 15 foreign countries across three continents and achieved one of his goals by visiting Germany to explore his family history. These adventures created lifelong memories and strengthened their bond as a couple.

Above all, Francis’s faith was central to his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was an active member of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo. His faith was reflected not only in his church attendance but in the way he lived his life - through acts of kindness, patience, and generosity. He often lent a listening ear to friends and neighbors and was always willing to help those in need.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Alba and Laura Melkus, his brother, Lowell and 3 brothers-in-law, George, Simon and Sam Stewart. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; their four children: Debra James and husband Ron of Amarillo, Texas; Donita Hohensee and husband Mark of Amarillo, Texas; Jeffery Melkus and wife Hilda of Houston, Texas and Michael Melkus of Lubbock, Texas. He also leaves behind six grandchildren who adored him: Kortnee and Eric Ranco of Portland, Maine; Paige James of Bonham, Texas; Ben James of Amarillo, Texas; and Jeffery, Rebekah, and Noah Melkus of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his brother Keith and sisters-in law Katy Melkus and Glenna Melkus and their families.

Though Francis is no longer with us, his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the lives of his family and friends. We are grateful for the time we shared with him and will carry his memory with us always.

Visitation will be from 2-4:00 PM, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount. Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, September 29, 2025 at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.