Melvin Arthur Koskela
Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On August 17, 2021 @ 12:27 pm In Obituaries | 3 Comments
Melvin Arthur Koskela, 84, of Waco, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021.
Memorial Service: 11AM Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Melvin was born October 10, 1936, to Arthur and Selma Koskela in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Lane Technical High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 where he proudly served his country as an aircraft repairman, he was honorably discharged with a ranking of Airman First Class. He became a pilot in 1965.
He moved to Texas in 1973 where he flew for Wings for Christ and taught missionaries how to fly. Also, this is where he met the love of his life, Jan. They had a whirlwind romance and married after six weeks on March 10, 1973. His love for flying took him to TSTC to teach others how to fly and became program chairman in 1990. He retired from TSTC in 1998.
He had a true servant’s heart and was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers to everyone.
He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Selma Koskela; sister, Eileen White and husband Wayne; brother, Allan Koskela; mother and father-in-law, Alton and Frances Wall and brother-in-law George Stanton.
He is survived by the love of his life, Janice Koskela; sons, Craig Ellis, Jeff Ellis and wife Leslye; grandchildren, Nathan Doss and wife, LeeAnn; Heather McClanahan and husband, Stephen; Casey Scott and husband, Addison; and Bo Ellis; great-grandchildren, Kase, Kaden, Kinsley and Jace; brother Arnold Koskela and wife, Linda; sister-in-law Melba Stanton; and brother-in-law Byron Wall and wife Meg and many much-loved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Passion, Shymah and the Memory Care staff at Brookdale Lake Brazos.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Samaritan’s Purse.
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Mel was such a kind gentleman with a heart for God. Thinking of you and the family and offering prayers for comfort 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jeff, Craig, and Ms. Janice , my heart goes out to you all and my pray is that the Lord will give you peace. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. RIP Sir., Pamela Flax-Maxwell
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I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful and Godly man. Mel and Jan were one of my first Sunday School teachers at Parkview Baptist Church and will always hold a special place in my heart. From as far back as I can remember he always called me Fraulein for little German girl. Jan, Craig and Jeff and the rest of the family please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Lemaster Banister