Melvin Ray Maikoetter

Melvin Ray Maikoetter, 83, of Amarillo left life on this earth to begin a new one on June 14, 2021.

Rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2021 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4100 Coulter. Memorial mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at the church. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

He was born in Nueces County December 22, 1937 to the late Rudolph Maikoetter and Addie (Ordner) Maikoetter. He served in the United States Marines from 1958-1962. After his discharge, he married Clara Annette Sprencel on September 21, 1963 in Robstown, TX. Together they had two children - a few son Mitchell who was born in 1965 and preceded Melvin in death in 1995 and a daughter Michelle, also a resident of Amarillo. Annette and Melvin shared 57 years together as partners in life.

Melvin considered God and family to be the most important things. He worked hard to take care of everyone, working for 30 years as a manager for a telecommunications company and then full time as a rancher in his “retirement.”  Melvin loved being outside, gardening, working with livestock, grilling, dancing and just enjoying time together with family and friends- telling stories and playing dominoes. He was extremely proud of the ranches he was privileged to own and especially enjoyed working on them. He was the first to admit what a “hard head” he could be but cared deeply (and worried incessantly) about everyone. He worked hard every day he could and made sure his loved ones were taken care of. His pride and joy were his two granddaughters- Riley (18) and Carsen (15). His final act of strength and determination was attending Riley’s high school graduation in May. He loved watching Carsen around horses and trying to teach Riley to dance. He taught them both how to grill and how to catch and fry fish.

Melvin is survived by his wife Annette, daughter Michelle, son in law Michael Hawk and his two granddaughters all of Amarillo. He also has a sister Joyce Franklin of Tyler TX. He was loved and will be remembered by number nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to those already mentioned, he was preceded in death by brothers Leroy, Gerald, Harry Lee, and Virgil and sisters Dorothy Pavlasek and Mae Mullenix.

Special thanks to BSA Hospice of the Southwest for taking such good care of him and allowed him the blessing of remaining in his own home. And to his son in law Michael Hawk, RN, without his help staying at home would not have been possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or the charity of your choice.