Malcolm Lee Gescheidle
The world has lost a most remarkable man who was from the Greatest Generation. Malcolm Lee Gescheidle, 101, of Gonzales, passed away on March 3, 2015. He was born on July 18, 1913 in the Cheapside Community near Gonzales, Texas. Malcolm was born to Cora Jane Powe Gescheidle and Thomas E. Gescheidle. He was 4th in a family of ten. Growing up, he and his family lived on many farms in the Gonzales County area. His family made their livelihood as farmers and ranchers by leasing land to raise cattle, hogs and crops. His early life was filled with tremendous hardship that included the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 and the Great Depression of the 1930’s. However, Malcolm survived because of love and a strong commitment to family.
Where many saw despair, Malcolm saw hope, opportunity, and the belief that hard work would be rewarded. In 1939 he and his brother, Ray bought 100 acres for $25 per acre. Throughout his life he labored long hours and made shrewd business decisions. He bought many parcels of land, built houses, raised cattle, and farmed. He had a passion for working with his hands.
World War II brought another tremendous challenge to the country and to Malcolm. In 1942 he was drafted at the age of 29 and proudly served his country in the European Theater. For his efforts during the War, he received a European Theater Campaign Medal, four Bronze Stars, The Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal. His service to our country is a debt that cannot be repaid and we are eternally grateful.
Upon returning home from the war, he was an active member of the community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gonzales, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Sons of Herman and The American Legion.
Malcolm or ‘Uncle Mac’ will most be remembered for his love and commitment to his family. His home was THE Gathering place for four generations of the Gescheidle family. Uncle Mac opened his home to all family (and friends of family) almost every week for Sunday Dinner, birthdays, and most holidays. Loved ones will remember the smell of delicious Southern Home Cooking and the sounds of laughter and fellowship. He understood the power of breaking bread with your kin and his cooking skills were unmatched. He has taught his entire extended family the importance of family and he always provided support and counsel. Uncle Mac was truly the patriarch of the family. Although he had no children of his own, his life embodies the definition of a family patriarch. Patriarch: a male leader; from the ancient Greek meaning “Father;” specifically referring to the male head of the family; in the Old Testament refers to the men considered the leader of the tribe.
He is survived by his sister, Mildred June Collard of Houston, numerous, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents T. E. Gescheidle and Cora Jane Powe Gescheidle; sisters, Edna May Gescheidle, Mary Mercer and Dean Hagen; brothers, Alfred, George, Ray, Elvin, Stuart and nephew Al Collard.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday March 7, 2015 in Seydler Hill Funeral Home with Dr. Chris Irving officiating. Pallbearers: Jerry Don Reynolds, Jarrid Boehm, Kyle Stobaugh, Randy Pirkle, Tim Conley, Wayne Rudisil, John Goetz, and Paul Allen Gescheidle. The family will received friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 8701 N Mopac, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78759, First Baptist Church of Gonzales, 422 St. Paul, Gonzales, Texas 78629 or the Gonzales County Veterans Memorial Association, 562 CR 238, Gonzales, Texas 78629. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.
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