Obituary of Mike Melcher

Graveside services for Mike Melcher, 72 of Plainview, TX, will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 23, 2024 in the Englewood Cemetery, Slaton, TX with Rev. Doug Yates officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be held the same day at 2:00 pm in the Harral Auditorium on the Wayland Baptist University Campus with Steve Olson officiating. The family will gather to receive friends from 6:00 pm until 7:30pm Friday, November 22, 2024 in the Plainview First Baptist Church Chapel . Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & flower Shop of Abernathy. Mike died surrounded by his family November 14, 2024 in Dallas, TX. Phillip Michael Melcher was born March 3, 1952 to Louie and Iris (Cloninger) Melcher in Slaton, TX where he was raised. Mike graduated from Slaton High School in 1969, following high school he attended Texas Tech University graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. While attending Texas Tech Mike was a proud member of the Goin’ Band and president of Kappa Kappa Psi. Following graduation Mike worked for a short time in the banking industry, quickly learning that was not for him. He then began his career in the car sales business. Mike became a great salesman breaking many records and earning the highest sales award. After his time as a salesman he branched out owning and operating Melcher Chevrolet in Littlefield, TX from 1983 to 1988. While working at Gary Ritter Autoplex in Brownfield he met Debra Graham, the one he would share the next 33 years with. Mike and Deb were married August 31, 1991 in Lubbock, TX, not only did she gain a loving husband but also three children. Mike was very involved in his children's and grandchildren's activities, he traveled many miles to support his family in basketball, tee ball, baseball, recitals and anything else his family was involved in. While living in Canyon, TX, Mike’s daughter Kaci informed him of a meeting to organize a long awaited softball team. When Mike arrived at the meeting, he was the only Dad present. In typical Mike fashion, he was quick to arrange everything the girls would need for a successful season. He coached and ran the team of 35 girls, before they became UIL affiliated the next year. Mike never shied away from a good side hustle leading him to own the Glass Slipper, where he sold shoes, Cake Lady, where he could be seen baking, and the Hot Cracker where he was often in the kitchen preparing the meals. Mike began working in the Wayland Baptist University advancement office in 2006, becoming the director of advancement in 2012 retiring in 2023. While at WBU, he earned his Master’s of Business Management, as well as earning the status of Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2011. Mike was instrumental in bringing the Jimmy Dean Museum and the Jimmy Dean Musical Festival to Plainview. He was awarded the highest award from Wayland, the President’s Award in April of 2023. Mike and Deb owned and operated the President’s House Bed and Breakfast, opening it in 2016. For 7 successful years of ownership, the Melchers catered to and hosted many that were able to enjoy this historic Plainview landmark. In 2018 the Lubbock Association of Fundraising awarded Mike as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the year. Mike was an avid Lion holding offices and volunteering with Lions Clubs in Littlefield, Lubbock and Plainview. He served as former Director and Board member of the Great Plains Lions Eye Bank Board. Mike’s willingness to serve others lead him to raise funds that impacted Plainview, Wayland Baptist University, Lions Club and many others. Mike was known for investing his time and efforts on many that came into his life. He friended and helped college students at WBU, faculty, staff, friends and family throughout his years. He is preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Barrett Bohn November 11, 2013 and a brother Larry Melcher June 28, 2022. Mike is survived by his wife, Deb Melcher of Plainview, children Wes Melcher and daughter Jianna Melcher of Prosper, TX , Russell Melcher and wife Elizabeth and children Blakely and Slaton Melcher, Kaci Bohn and husband Lee and children Brogan, Asher, and Kason Bohn all of Canyon, TX, brothers Ken Melcher, Joe Melcher and spouse Glenn, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Mike Melcher Endowed Scholarship at: https://www.wbu.edu/give/give.htm or the First Baptist Church Plainview Wind and Rain Campaign 205 West 8th Street Plainview, TX 79072.