Rev. Michael John Melcher

LUBBOCK – Rev. Michael John Melcher, 64, of Lubbock, Texas, died December 31, 2017 in San Antonio. Michael was born on January 2, 1953 in Lubbock and was the ninth child to Vernita and Edgar Melcher of Meadow, Texas. He graduated from Meadow High School where he played football and basketball. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. He taught in area high schools, worked for his brothers and assisted in family farming before deciding that the Church was on his horizon. He received his seminary formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, Wisconsin and was ordained by Bishop Michael J. Sheehan on January 10, 1992 to minister in the Diocese of Lubbock. He served in Our Lady of Grace Church in Lubbock, as pastor at Saint Pius X Catholic Church, O’Donnell, Saint Jude, Tahoka and Blessed Sacrament, Wilson in 1993. He served as pastor of Saint Ann, Stamford and Saint George Catholic Church in Haskell from 1995 to July 2003. He was named pastor of Lubbock’s Saint Patrick and Queen of Apostles Church in New Deal. Three years later, in 2005, he was assigned as pastor at Saint Michael, Anson and Holy Trinity, Hamlin. He was the dean of the Snyder Deanery from 2001-2003 and appointed again in 2010. He retired from active ministry in September 2015. After service to the Lord, Michael enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, playing cards, and family gatherings. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Eugene and sister Susan Tucker. He is survived by siblings, Marian Blake of Brownfield, Douglas (Joan) and Calvin (Viola) of Holly, Colorado, Leonard (Shirley) of Boerne, James of Lubbock, Harold (Kathy) of Shallowater, Joan Blackmon (Mike) and Sandra Sanders (Nick) of Lubbock, Patricia Farmer (Phil) of Robinson, Texas, and Dennis and Brenda Melcher of Meadow, sister-in-law Loma Melcher of Seagraves, brother-in-law Stanley Tucker of Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary will be held at Sanders Funeral Home on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert Coerver at Christ the King Cathedral at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January I3 with interment following at Peaceful Gardens at Woodrow, Texas. Memorials may be made to the Diocese of Lubbock or to Lubbock Meals on Wheels.

Rev. Michael John Melcher

January 2, 1953 - December 31, 2017