Thomas Melvin "Mel" Davenel

Mel Davenel fought a good fight that ended peacefully on January 31, 2023.

On June 12, 1951, Leon and Ruth Davenel welcomed a son, Mel Davenel, born in Hearne, Texas.  He joined an older brother, Phil. Mel attended the Hearne Independent School District graduating from Hearne High School in 1969.  After high school, Mel attended Lamar State College of Technology in Beaumont, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and Blinn College in Brenham, then enlisting in the United States Navy in 1971. He was Honorably Discharged in 1973 and served in the reserves for 4 years.  While in the Navy, Mel gained his welders certificate, which became his long-term career.  He was a welder for the company that built the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center in Hearne, on highway 79.  When the Center was completed he went to work at GATX, until retirement.

While home on leave from the Navy, Mel married June Frederick on June 2, 1973.  Mel and June made their home in Norfolk, VA until his discharge, and then return home to Hearne, TX. In November 1977, they welcomed a son, Steven.

His hobbies included hunting dove and deer, and both saltwater and freshwater fishing; eventually building a family lake house at Lake Limestone.  Mel found his next passion, gardening which initially started at the lake house, and grew to its current location. He was also known to raise chickens. Mel was often very generous with the bounty of these hobbies.   He was so proud of his son and grandsons, Jaxon, Kohen and Landry, and eagerly shared his love of fishing with them. A lover of animals, Spookie, was his spoiled cat.

Mel is preceded in death by his father Leon P. Davenel, Sr., his mother Ruth Davenel, and his brother Leon P. (Phil) Davenel, Jr.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of almost 50 years, June, his son, Steven, and grandsons, Jaxon, Kohen and Landry.  Additionally he leaves his memories to be cherished by sisters-in-law Marsha Davenel, Marsha Puckett, Rene Gerbers and husband, Kevin, brother-in-law Duane Frederick and wife, Kimberly, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.