Alwood Louis Scheler

Alwood Louis Scheler, age 83, of Tours, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 7, 2009 at his residence. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Scheler was born on September 9, 1925 near Penelope, the son of William Joe and Alma (Lucko) Scheler. He attended school in Penelope. Al served his country with the United States Army during World War II and was a former prisoner of war. On May 6, 1944, he was united in marriage to Charlene Frances Uptmor in Tours. He worked for General Tire & Rubber Company in Waco for 40 years before retiring in 1985. He was also a cattle rancher. Al was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, having formerly served on the Parish Council. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, where he was a former member of the Honor Guard; American Legion Post #478; Disabled American Veterans; Knights of Columbus Council #2305; and Catholic Life. Al enjoyed deer hunting, riding four wheelers, and he especially loved spending time with his family. His parents; four brothers, Hilbert Scheler, Leo Scheler, Herbert Scheler, and Edmond Scheler; a sister, Ella Mandel; a grandson, Christopher Calabro; and a son-in-law, Mike Grimm; all preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Charlene Scheler of Tours; three daughters, Peggy Taylor and husband Bob of Dennis, Beverly Roberts and husband Lynn of Waco, and Gina Calabro and husband Bob of Coppell; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Harry Dudik, Phillip Miller, Jason Lednicky, Brad Wright, Don Gaither, Harvey Lee Mandel, Austin Gaither and Cole Calabro. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Ray Scheler, Leroy Scheler, Clay Paslay and C.W. Penton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Martin's Catholic Church of Tours.