Melvin Leon Poldrack

In Loving Memory of Melvin Leon Poldrack

June 7, 1933 - April 15, 2024

Melvin Poldrack, a devoted father, beloved husband, and revered farmer-rancher, died peacefully on Monday, April 15th at the age of 90. Born on June 7, 1933 in Taylor, TX to parents Charlie Poldrack and Lucy Bachmayer Poldrack, Melvin embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience from an early age. With only an eighth-grade education from Mager and Coupland schools, he left school to shoulder responsibilities of the family farm, demonstrating a remarkable work ethic and a deep sense of duty towards his loved ones.

Melvin retired from Alcoa after 35 years in the extreme heat of the pot room (smelting process). Most days, he would come home from his shift, catch a little sleep, and go back to work tending to his farming and ranching operations. He had an abiding connection to land and he was a great dealmaker; quick with numbers and the perfect one-liner. Together with his son Terry and grandson Hunter, Melvin built Poldrack Grain and Cattle into a successful and enduring business.

Beyond his role as a steward of the land, Melvin was a devoted family man. He married Lanell Reeves on November 3rd, 1951 and celebrated 63 years with her before her death in 2015. Together they raised a beautiful family filled with love and laughter. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, instilling in them the same values of hard work, perseverance, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. He loved to check his cattle, watch the crops grow, and share meals with his family. He especially loved Lanell’s desserts.  He enjoyed playing games and always knew the dominos in your hand before you played them. His presence brought warmth and a sense of home to those fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, including Leroy and Ruben Poldrack, Corinne Haverland and Lois Lenz and their spouses.

Melvin is survived by sons, Denney Poldrack, Terry Poldrack (Martha), and daughters, Kandice Samuelson, Kimery Poldrack (Erin Barber), and his five grandchildren, Hunter Poldrack, Heather Shuttles (Rob), Tiffany Samuelson, Evan Poldrack, Sawyer Poldrack, and four great-grandchildren Aubrey Shuttles, Haydon Shuttles, Krista Poldrack, Remington Poldrack, and numerous nieces and nephews.

As we mourn his passing, we take solace in knowing that Melvin has been reunited with his beloved wife and siblings in eternal peace. Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy lives on in the land he loved and the hearts of those who were touched by his journey. May his spirit continue to guide us, reminding us to cherish each other and cherish the precious gift of life. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, TX. Visitation will be on April 19th from 5-7PM with the service on April 20th at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at St Peter’s Cemetery.

Rest in peace, dear Dad/Popo.