Arthur Elden Smith 1937-2019

 

Arthur Smith 1937-2019

 

Arthur "Art" Elden Smith Jr. passed away on March 28, 2019 with his loving family by his side. He headed home after a full, successful, and blessed life. He was born on January 17, 1937 and spent his youth hunting and fishing around the bayous of Houston, Texas. A lifelong student and educator, Art taught for 38 years in San Antonio and Houston followed by 13 years of substitute teaching. He relished his free time in the outdoors, enjoying nature. A devoted and caring husband, he met the love of his life, Martha, in high school. They shared 58 delightful years of marriage. Art is preceded in death by his mother, Grace Smith, and his father, Arthur Smith, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Martha Smith; son, Art Smith (Valerie); daughter, Cindy Berman (Bobby); sister, Sally Webb (Buster); grandchildren, Sam Berman, August Smith, Adam Berman, Matthew Berman, Olivia Smith, Brian Berman, and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Aransas County (HFHAC), P.O. Box 2375, Fulton, Texas 78358 or to a charity of your choice.

DIANA RIEDEL MELANSON 1938-2024

 

Diana Riedel Melanson

October 14, 1938 - May 4, 2024

 

Diana Riedel Melanson passed away May 4, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born in Houston, Texas on October 14, 1938 to the late Arthur J. and Florence B. Riedel. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

In 1960, Diana married J. Robert Melanson and moved to El Campo, Texas. Diana and Bob were married for 52 years.

While living in El Campo Diana taught many children piano lessons and played the organ for Christ Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church. Diana and Bob became a member of First Baptist Church of El Campo where she was an active member until 2021 when she moved to Fulshear to live with her son. She enjoyed spending time in the Texas Hill country at her country home in Wimberley. She enjoyed spending time out on Lake L.B.J. in Kingsland. She had a passion for her yard and spent countless hours tending to her many flower beds, and took pride as her flowers bloomed each season, especially her favorite flower the Texas Bluebonnet. She loved her many dogs, especially Annie.

Diana was very active in her community. She was involved in many clubs and organizations, The Sunshine Ladies, The Sesame Club, and the Garden Club were just a few.

She was a director at Commercial State Bank for many years until the bank was sold in 2010.

Diana's favorite things were spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved going to long lunches with her best girlfriends to solve all the world's problems.

Diana is survived by her son David Riedel Melanson and fiancé Denise Robbins of Fulshear, daughter Julie Melanson Fuechec and husband Jeff of El Campo, granddaughters Molly Melanson Mobley and husband Cody, Taylor Fuechec Kresta and husband Clay, grandsons Grant Riedel Fuechec and Mason Joseph Fuechec. Great Grandchildren Rhett and Rhylee Mobley. The family would also like to include Alesha Barrios, a special caregiver of Diana's for her unwavering love, support, and care during the six years that she was with her.

Thank you to Home Instead of Victoria, Angels Home Care and Vantage Hospice for everything they did to help during the course of her Alzheimer's illness.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Triska Funeral Home from 5pm-7pm. Funeral Services will be at the First Baptist Church of El Campo Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:00am.

Pallbearers are Grant Fuechec, Mason Fuechec, Junior Garcia, Clay Kresta, Cody Mobley and Clay Wilkins. Honorary pallbearer is Rhett Mobley.