Melvin H. Bernshausen

Melvin Harry Bernshausen went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday April 4, 2017 blessed and surrounded by his loving family at the age of 90. Melvin was born in Needville, Texas on September 5, 1926 as the fourth child out of five to Matilda and Arthur Bernshausen. As a young man, he helped his Dad at Dad’s Service Station in Needville. He graduated from Needville High School and decided to serve his country in September of 1944 when he enlisted in the United States Aircore as a radio operator and paratrooper and was later discharged as a Sargent December 5, 1948. He then attended college at the University of Houston where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering earning him a position at Phillips Petroleum in 1952. He met the love of his life, Dorothy Venglar of Rosenberg, they were married November 22, 1952, moved to Sweeny, and raised six amazing sons with a love lasting almost 57 years. After 31 years of working for Phillips, he retired in 1983. He loved gardening, hunting, bees, cooking, making his own wine, and maintaining his peach and pecan orchard. He loved watching Molly B’s television show, cigars, and listening to radio KULP. He had wonderful sweetcorn, when the raccoons didn’t feast on it all. He was a devout member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Needville attending Mass and Adoration. While raising his family in Sweeny, Melvin was involved in getting the VFW started in Old Ocean. He was also involved with establishing Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sweeny. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Venglar Bernshausen and his son, Patrick Bernshausen and wife, Cindi. Melvin will be missed by his close friend and companion Ethyl Horak of Needville. He is survived by his sons, Arthur Bernshausen and wife, Cecilia of Danbury, grandchildren Melvin and Sarah of Danbury; son, Richard and wife Tina, Of Canyon Lake Texas, granddaughter Wendy Wollard and husband Sam of Glastonbury, CT, grandson Jarred of San Antonio and fiancé, Tiffany; son, Mark and wife Debbie of Easley, SC, grandson Adam and wife Wyatt of West Union, SC., grandson Scott and wife Jessica of Abbeville, SC.; son, Toby and wife Audrey of Angleton, granddaughter, Mandi of Angleton, Miranda of Lake Jackson, grandson, John of Corpus Christi and fiancé, Megan; son, Harry and wife Cynthia of West Columbia, step-grandchildren, Brittany, Matthew and wife, Mariah of West Columbia, Kelsie and fiancé, Will, Brandon James and wife, Magan of Sweeny and their children Ryan, Brandon, Gabriel, and Ely; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren. Melvin was a rock for his family and provided them with numerous stories, fond memories, enough love to last a lifetime, and remained independent until the end. His infamous Sunday dinners and homemade bread will be missed by all. There are too many words to express just how much he meant to each of us and how much he will be missed, but his memory will remain in our hearts forever. Pallbearers will be Adam Bernshausen, Scott Bernshausen, Jarred Bernshausen, Melvin Bernshausen, Brandon James Bernshausen, and Matthew McDonald. Visitation will be Friday, April 7 from 5:00-8:00 pm. with the Rosary at 7:00 pm. at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Flowers will be received at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, April 8, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Needville, TX beginning at 3:00 pm. Burial will be at Sitta Cemetery in Needville. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Melvin H. Bernshausen

September 5, 1926 - April 4, 2017