Palestine, Texas - Melvin Hugh Boxell passed away on Friday, January 17, 2026, at his home in Palestine, Texas. Mel was born in Wells County, Bluffton, Indiana on October 19, 1939, to parents Glen Boxell and Garnet Bookout Boxell.

Melvin served proudly in the United Stated Navy as a Fireman Marine. Among Mel's many activities he liked motorcycling, baseball, and hunting. He loved going to support the local high school football games on Friday nights. He was a volunteer with the Tennessee Colony fire department.

Mel's favorite pastime was fishing at every opportunity and sitting on his back porch. Mel and Val spent many hours together on the local lakes enjoying fishing and when they couldn't go fishing, they sat on the back porch drinking their morning coffee or afternoon iced tea. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Valerie (Mestnik) Boxell; his children, Laura (Boxell) Masson, Joseph Boxell, both of Florida. Mel cherished his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Garnet Boxell of Indiana; brothers, William Boxell, Gerald Boxell both of Indiana; sisters, Betty (Boxell) Brunner, and Janice (Boxell) Martin both of Texas. Mel was the last member of his immediate family.

Honoring Mel's wishes, he will be cremated with no services. The family wishes to thank you all for the warm thoughts and prayers during this time.

Cremation services for Melvin Hugh Boxell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.