Roll Call Tribute

Riley Funeral Home obituary
402 West Main, Hamilton, TX 76531 | 254-386-3117

Martin Melvin Schrank
April 19, 1926 - March 4, 2015

Funeral Service
Saturday, March 07, 2015 | 2:00 pm
St Paul Lutheran Church
FM 3340, Aleman, Texas 76531
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Visitation
Friday, March 06, 2015 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Riley Funeral Home
402 W Main, Hamilton, Texas 76531
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Martin Melvin Schrank
19 April 1926 – 4 March 2015
After declining health in recent years, Martin M. Schrank went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 04, 2015. He was born on April 19, 1926 to Ralph R. Schrank and Johanna E. (Moerbe) Schrank at Aleman in Hamilton Co. Texas. He was baptized as an infant on May 9, 1926 and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on April 2, 1939 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by Rev. Emil F. Moerbe, his grandfather. His special confirmation verse was Psalm 121: 7-8, which was given to him by his pastor - grandfather. Martin was a lifelong active member of St. Paul's. In his childhood years on the farm, his first language was German. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran Parochial School, Aleman Public School, and graduated from Hamilton High School. In his teenage years, he loved playing in the Aleman baseball league and participated in the congregation's Walther League. 
Martin was the last individual drafted from Hamilton Co. during World War II, deferred until March 12, 1946 for military service, due to his three brothers being in active duty overseas. He served active duty at Ellington AFB, Lackland AFB, and MacDill, Tampa Fla. He attended John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville for two years and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical College at College Station, achieving a B.S and M.S. degree in Agricultural Education. He is from the Texas A&M Class of 1951. Upon graduation, he again entered the military as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Air Force, as a Second Lieutenant. He served at the Naval Air Station, Keflavik Iceland in charge of food services for the Base. He was discharged in 1953, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. 
Martin was united in marriage to Arlene Fay Zimmerman on January 14, 1956 in Raymondville Texas. This union was blessed by God with four sons, Michael, Douglas, Fredrich and Stephen. 
Martin began teaching Vocational Agricultural and presiding as the Advisor for the Future Farmers of America Chapters at local high schools of Fairy, Carlton, Pottsville and Hamilton. Martin's entire teaching career was within Hamilton County, which left strong bonds with former students. Upon the closing of the Fairy School District, the former students have gathered with him for an annual student reunion, now in its 50th year. 
During his lifetime, he played the harmonica and loved listening to his wife, Arlene, play the piano, organ, and accordion with his family, and enjoyed German polka and waltz music. While teaching and farming, he and his sons diligently did chores and hand milked cows, twice a day, for over 35 years. Retiring from teaching in 1988, he enjoyed farming, fishing, ranching, tending his cows and staying warm by the fireplace. He wrote and had published a book, "The Barbecue Book - A Texan's Taste for Barbeque" in 1992. 
Martin's heart and mind was always: being in a relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ and helping others receive the Lord; wanting to attend every worship service; being a caring father for his family; preparing for reunions; making homemade sausage; Sunday Dinner; cooking barbeque with family; searching to find a new friend by starting up a conversation; giving an encouraging word to students and giving second chances; being 'an Advisor' to promote the F.F.A. motto; "Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve"; being a loyal supporter of school sports; giving homecoming pep rally speeches, and stories, with the tradition of 'cutting-his-tie'; leading the spirit song "Bulldogs will Shine Tonight"; singing the "Aggie War Hymn" with his alma matter; and eager to have a visitor. 
Martin knew that all his friends and family, each in their own way, were a blessing of God given to him.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph R. & Johanna E. (Moerbe) Schrank; wife, Arlene F. (Zimmerman) Schrank; brothers, Edgar T. Schrank, Gilbert C. Schrank, Raymond R. Schrank, and nephew, Larry G. Schrank.
He is survived by his 4 sons and their families; Michael & Kathryn (Bubert) Schrank; Douglas & Lisa (Wright) Schrank, Fredrich & Lisa (Meissner) Schrank, and Stephen & Suzanne (Pack) Schrank; and two sister in laws, Francis Schrank, (wife) of Raymond, of Hamilton; and Mae Sliva , sister of Arlene, of Round Rock. Grandchildren: Melissa, Zachary, Kaytlyn, Cassie, Julia, Zachary, Emily, Christina and Rachel. Great grandchildren: Braxton, Eli, Shelby and Emmerson. Also, he had many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, numerous cousins and countless dear friends. Martin and Arlene hosted a foreign exchange student, Marie Anderson of Sweden, who is cherished as an extended family member.
Martin passed away peacefully at the Hamilton Hospital early this past Wednesday morning, March 4, 2015 after living in this world for 88 years, 10 months and 13 days. Now he lives for all eternity with his Savior in heaven. 
Pallbearers: Mark Ely, Brent Bottlinger, Ricky Sliva, Bobby Sliva, Mark Melde, and Zachary Schrank.
Honorary Pallbearers: Oran Schrank, Billy Nelson, Corky Wilson, Charlie Sliva, Darrel Bledsoe, and all his treasured former students of Fairy High School. 
Memorials may be given to various funds of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and/or Hamilton Co. A &M Scholarship Fund.
Officiant: Rev. Dr. Wilbert Sohns
Organist: Bonnie Wenzel
The family of Martin Schrank wishes to express many thanks to Hamilton Hospital, Lee Home Health Care and Dove Hill Nursing Center for the many days of care given to Martin.