Melvin "Mel" Bush Gambrell, Jr.

Melvin Bush Gambrell, Jr., age 77, of Palestine, passed away peacefully on the 26th day of July 2021.  He was born on the 17th day of October 1943 in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Melvin Bush Gambrell and Marie Isabelle Loveland.

Affectionately known as “Mel”, he retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Colonel after serving courageously for 20 years. He loved the Lord and served Him daily.   Mel was a member of Court Drive Church of Christ where he served as an Elder and teacher.  Mel cherished spending time with his family and friends in the great outdoors and enjoyed the times he was able to fish, hunt, and go camping.  He also loved ranching and spending time on his land.      

Mel joins his parents Melvin and Isabelle Gambrell, and his brother, Kenneth Gambrell, in Heaven.

Left to cherish the good memories of Mel are his loving wife of 56 years Nancy Gambrell; daughters, Kristina McAlister and husband Jeff of Arlington, Texas, Cynthia Kneip and husband David of Abilene, Texas, Virginia Slicker and husband Max of Tyler, Texas; son, Greg Gambrell and wife Lisa of Arlington, Texas; sister, Emily West and husband Robert; and brother, Howard Gambrell.  Mel is also survived by his grandchildren, Natalie Podsednik, Natasha McAlister, Rebecca Kneip, Faith Kneip, Mia Slicker, and Jeremiah Slicker.

A memorial service with Military Honors to celebrate Mel’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 30th day of July 2021 at Court Drive Church of Christ with Paul Jones and Danny Allison officiating.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Court Drive Church of Christ.

A private inurnment will be held at the City Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed towards the Court Drive Church of Christ Building Fund, 1434 Court Dr., Palestine, Texas 75803.

Memorial and cremation services for Melvin Bush Gambrell, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  

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