Roll Call Tribute

Melvin J. Eilers, Jr. 

June 13, 1944 - October 27, 2025 

Melvin Eilers, Jr. was a faithful man of Christ for 81 years and loving husband to Gwen for 56 years.

Melvin and Gwen were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Priddy, Texas on September 6, 1969 and resided there for the duration of their marriage. He was born on June 13, 1944, in Hamilton County, Texas to loving parents, Melvin and Aline Eilers. Melvin was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shive, Texas on July 30, 1944, confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pottsville, Texas, and became a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Priddy.

Melvin grew up in Hamilton County, on the outskirts of Priddy, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended school in Indian Gap, Texas, graduated from Pottsville High School and later attended Tarleton State University. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University in 1967. After graduating, he began working for the ASCS, measuring acreage within Hamilton County. A short time later, he was referred to meet with the administration at Priddy Independent School District, where he accepted the agricultural teaching position. That opportunity began a remarkable 34-year teaching career. During that time, Melvin also served as principal for 17 years. His passion for agriculture grew into a deeper calling — to guide, lead, and shape a generation of students with the same respect, work ethic, and integrity that defined his own life.

Melvin lived a full and rewarding life, doing what he loved, and sharing it with the people that he loved. In addition to teaching, he found joy in a variety of side ventures. He was a farmer, owned and operated a dump truck and a bulldozing business, bred, trained, and traded quarter horses, and was an avid cattle and sheep rancher.

Throughout his life, Melvin was known by many names — Mel, Dad, and Pop to his family; the unofficial local vet & animal nutritionist, mayor, repair man; Sonny to the older generation; and Sir to the students who deeply respected him. Each name reflected the many ways he touched the lives of those around him — as a hardworking farmer, dedicated teacher, faithful friend, and loving family man.

Being a faithful follower of Christ and a distinguished member of his community, Melvin served on the Zion Lutheran Church council and finance committee for numerous years. He also served as a dedicated teacher/principal at Priddy ISD and president/member of the Hamilton County Electric Co-Op (30 years), Priddy Water Supply, Priddy Volunteer Fire Department and the Mills County Youth Fair Association among many others. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association in 1996, and in 1999, the Honorary Life Membership.

Melvin passed away on October 27, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Melvin and Aline Eilers. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years, Gwen; two daughters and their spouses, Jenni & Grant Cline, Cassi & Justin Montandon; five grandchildren, Bryce & Mallory Cline, Kirsten Cline, Payton Montandon, Hudson Montandon and Bailey Montandon; two brothers and their spouses, Larry & Pam Eilers of Hamilton, Bill & Diane Eilers of Priddy; one sister, Donna Wagner of Stephenville; and many beloved nieces, nephews and other family members that will dearly miss him.

Service will be Saturday November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Priddy, Texas. Interment will follow at Immanuel Luther Cemetery, Pottsville, Texas.