Melvin Ray Klatt, Sr., passed from this life on Aug. 23, 2022, at the age of 84, at his home in Sealy in the presence of loved ones. His battle with various medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing difficult challenges with strength and determination.

Melvin was born in Sealy on June 20, 1938, to the late A. R. and Alvina Klatt where he attended Sealy schools. He served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic in San Antonio while writing love letters to his sweetheart for two years. He then married the love of his life, Johnnie Norris, on Nov. 26, 1958. Being a “Jack of All Trades”, he was self-employed most of his life including farming, carpentry, construction, and wallpapering all the while being a loving father to their growing family.

During the years, Melvin and Johnnie were members of the Austin County Saddle Club enjoying square dances on horseback, in their own and other area arenas, and weekend trail rides, sometimes by moonlight. In 1992, Melvin and Johnnie joined the Po.L.K. of A. (Polka Lover’s Klub of America, Texas Chapter) where they spent countless hours dancing and socializing, making lifetime friends. In 1994, Melvin and Johnnie were crowned Po.L.K. of A. King and Queen. They were also members of the Hermann Sons Sealy Lodge and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Cat Spring.

Working in his vegetable garden, mowing his lawn, shredding with his tractor, driving his truck, and visiting his neighbors in his golf cart were a few of his favorite things in the last few years, along with sipping on an occasional margarita. He enjoyed having big family get-togethers for holidays and special occasions. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother. He enjoyed making people laugh with his fun-loving, charming, and witty sense of humor. Melvin passed his love of polka dancing onto many of his grandchildren through example and a few dancing lessons.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis Klatt, brother Floyd Klatt, stepfather Marvin Crawford, stepmother Mary Klatt, and granddaughters Katie Fowler and Piper Klatt. He is survived by his wife Johnnie Klatt, sister Joanie Griffin and husband Johnny, son Melvin Klatt, Jr. and wife Jackie, daughter Debbie Hansen and husband Eric, son Greg Klatt and wife Lynn, daughter Cassandra (Sandy) Pospichal and husband Kurt, daughter Christel Karl and husband Donald, and son Ronnie Klatt and Cindy Klatt, along with grandchildren Jennie Klatt and fiancé Colby Smith, Madison Young and husband Matt, Christa Hansen, Casey Hansen, Clayton Hansen, Kaley Harrington and husband Colton, Ryan Sullivan, Charity Karl, Aaron Karl, Ryan Fowler and wife Ashley, and Bella Klatt; great-grandchildren Everleigh Behnen, Ellie Behnen, Croix Behnen, Keaton Harrington, Kamdynn Harrington, Braxton Fowler, Adeline Fowler, and Kinsley Bartholomew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin was honored at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cat Spring on Friday, Aug. 26 with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at the church on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m., lunch at 12 p.m., followed by graveside services in Wallis Hartsville Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Pallbearers were Clayton Hansen, Aaron Karl, Ryan Sullivan, Matt Young, Colton Harrington, and Colby Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Webster, Johnny Griffin, Rudy Stuchly, Dale Walker, Mark Brandt, Ryan Fowler, Keaton Harrington and Croix Behnen.

If desired, monetary donations may be made in Melvin’s memory to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cat Spring, Texas.