Obituary of
Rethmeier, Melvin (Mel) Keith
Melvin (Mel) Keith Rethmeier, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, February 4, 2016.
Mel was born March 22, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Martha and Walter Rethmeier. Growing up in Cincinnati, Mel attended Fairview Elementary and Hughes High School and later enrolled in the University of Cincinnati Liberal Arts Program, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Mel was a member of several fraternal professional organizations throughout his time in college. Following the completion of his degrees he enlisted in to the US Navy where he signed up to the non-commissioned officer program and then later commissioned as an officer in the US Navy. After completing his active duty military service in 1956, Mel returned to Cincinnati, Ohio where he spent time in a teaching roll.
In 1957, Mel moved to Dallas, Texas where he began his career at Texas Instruments as a manufacturing supervisor, and became involved in international purchasing work. He remained there for 20+ years. Pursuing a new line of work, Mel had experiences in the airfreight business and became a purchasing agent for AMKOR Technology after several years. Mel then joined Hitatchi Industries where he became involved with the purchasing of semi-conductor parts. He remained until retiring in 1994.
After a short retirement, Mel decided to pursue a second career with the Home Depot in Southlake, Texas, helping to open the store in April of 1995. There, Mel was known for his expertise in the garden department and continued to pursue his passion for organic gardening. It was after 15+ years and at the age of 83, that Mel retired from The Home Depot. Without a doubt, his job with The Home Depot was Mel’s favorite job throughout his life teaching and mentoring both employees and customers alike. Mel was passionate about many things in life including his family, organic gardening, travel, history, teaching, Christian education and painting.
Mel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Rethmeier and his three daughters, Joyce Rethmeier of Grapevine, granddaughter Barbara Allen and great-granddaughter Addyson and granddaughter Emily, daughter Janet Blasingame and son-in-law Mike Blasingame, grandson Jay Blasingame and wife Megan, grandson Jeffery Blasingame and wife Ellie and great-grandson Jasper, grandson Jarrett and daughter Julie Smith and son-in-law Scott Smith, granddaughters Katie Thompson and husband Sam, granddaughter Rebecca and grandson Benjamin Smith, and son Mark Spoeneman and wife Mary and grandson Shaun.
The Commitment Ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the DFW National Cemetery at 11:15 am. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church at 2:30 pm in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the national VFW at vfw.org or to the Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, P.O. Box 419, Forest, VA 24551 or online at poplarforest.org/support.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Rethmeier, Melvin (Mel) Keith
Mel was a great man to work with and I am sorry to hear about his passing. We worked together when I managed the Burlington Northern Air Freight office in Honolulu. Import goods cleared customs in HNL and flew directly to DFW on Braniff’s 474 (AKA the orange pumpkin) Very smart program and a very smart man. RIP and God Bless you and your family.
Tom Rodberg
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mel was a great man to work with and I am sorry to hear about his passing. We worked together when I managed the Burlington Northern Air Freight office in Honolulu. Import goods cleared customs in HNL and flew directly to DFW on Braniff's 474 (AKA the orange pumpkin) Very smart program and a very smart man. RIP and God Bless you and your family.
I am Emily’s boss and she spoke of you often. May God welcome you home and keep your family in his loving arms.
Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson
Thursday October 13, 2022
I am Emily's boss and she spoke of you often. May God welcome you home and keep your family in his loving arms.
Brian Thompson
Mel was my first manager when I joined TI in 1972. He was and always be one of my favorite managers. May God bless him and keep him close forever. I remain thankful for his stewardship, always.
Albert Clegg
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mel was my first manager when I joined TI in 1972. He was and always be one of my favorite managers. May God bless him and keep him close forever. I remain thankful for his stewardship, always.
Mel and Carolyn are wonderful and I will miss Mel very much. I have not seen him in a while, served with Carolyn at church doing the fun stuff with hospitality and Mel led me through the Home Depot gardening many many times, always a big hug on the way in. We have lost a wonderful man here on earth The angels will enjoy his company so much. Much love to you Carolyn always.
Jeannie McGregor
Jeannie McGregor
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mel and Carolyn are wonderful and I will miss Mel very much. I have not seen him in a while, served with Carolyn at church doing the fun stuff with hospitality and Mel led me through the Home Depot gardening many many times, always a big hug on the way in. We have lost a wonderful man here on earth The angels will enjoy his company so much. Much love to you Carolyn always.
Jeannie McGregor
My dear Joyce- how wonderful it was to read about your amazing Dad’s accomplishments & background. I know you will miss him greatly & I hope fond memories comfort you. I have my Grandson today so will be unable to attend at 11:15 & 2:30 today but know my thoughts & prayers are with you of a life well lived. ((( Big Hugs)))
Cathy O'Brien
Thursday October 13, 2022
My dear Joyce- how wonderful it was to read about your amazing Dad's accomplishments & background. I know you will miss him greatly & I hope fond memories comfort you. I have my Grandson today so will be unable to attend at 11:15 & 2:30 today but know my thoughts & prayers are with you of a life well lived. ((( Big Hugs)))
Carolyn, so sorry to hear about Mel.I think Mel and I started with TI on the same day, My prayers are with you and the family
Mike O'Brien
Thursday October 13, 2022
Carolyn, so sorry to hear about Mel.I think Mel and I started with TI on the same day, My prayers are with you and the family
To my father, Rest peacefully, I hope in the next life we can spend time time together and I can get to know the man I didn’t get to know in this life.
Mark Spoeneman
Thursday October 13, 2022
To my father, Rest peacefully, I hope in the next life we can spend time time together and I can get to know the man I didn't get to know in this life.
Juie & family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, for the loss of your sweet father.
Melody/MedTex Staffing
Melody Glasby (MedTex Staffing)
Thursday October 13, 2022
Juie & family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, for the loss of your sweet father.
Melody/MedTex Staffing
My deepest condolences to the family and friends for the loss of your loved one. The Hearer of Prayer has promised to provide his holy spirit to those who sincerely ask for it. (Psalm 65:2). That same spirit can give you the power beyond what is normal to endure your grief.
DH
Thursday October 13, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family and friends for the loss of your loved one. The Hearer of Prayer has promised to provide his holy spirit to those who sincerely ask for it. (Psalm 65:2). That same spirit can give you the power beyond what is normal to endure your grief.
Carolyn & Family,
As I was reading the Obituaries this morning, I noticed a familiar name _ Melvin Rethmeier.
That name brought me back several years to VF 192 at Moffitt field California. I was an enlisted man in that fighter squadron at the same time that Mel was the personnel manager. I worked in the office for a short time with Mel and was aboard the USS Oriskany with him when we went to sea. In reading about Mel’s life this morning, I also did not realize that Mel worked at TI. I retired from there with 38 years of service a few years ago.
Mel was a fine man and a fine person and I know he will be missed greatly.
With Great Sympathy,
John A. Ford
John A. Ford
Thursday October 13, 2022
Carolyn & Family,
As I was reading the Obituaries this morning, I noticed a familiar name _ Melvin Rethmeier.
That name brought me back several years to VF 192 at Moffitt field California. I was an enlisted man in that fighter squadron at the same time that Mel was the personnel manager. I worked in the office for a short time with Mel and was aboard the USS Oriskany with him when we went to sea. In reading about Mel's life this morning, I also did not realize that Mel worked at TI. I retired from there with 38 years of service a few years ago.
Mel was a fine man and a fine person and I know he will be missed greatly.
With Great Sympathy,
John A. Ford
We miss our friend Melvin. His stories of his garden, which he so graciously shared what he reaped. His beautiful paintings, and the stories behind each ornament on his Christmas tree. But his most favorite stories were of his wife and family. He beamed with each word, he was so proud.
Melvin was truly a man who lived by the “Golde Rule”.
Our lives are enriched for knowing him. God bless.
Cathy and Martin
Cathy and Martun Schaffer
Thursday October 13, 2022
We miss our friend Melvin. His stories of his garden, which he so graciously shared what he reaped. His beautiful paintings, and the stories behind each ornament on his Christmas tree. But his most favorite stories were of his wife and family. He beamed with each word, he was so proud.
Melvin was truly a man who lived by the "Golde Rule".
Our lives are enriched for knowing him. God bless.
Cathy and Martin