Fred Mechell

Fred John Mechell, age 75, of West, passed away early Friday morning, August 12, 2022 at Providence Hospital in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Fred was born October 24, 1946 in Waco, the son of Emil and Georgia (Nors) Mechell. He attended West schools and was a 1965 graduate of  West High School. On April 20, 1975, he was united in marriage to Barbara Veselka in West. Fred was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He owned and operated The Country Blacksmith and was known for his metal fabricating and built many fences and buildings for customers in the surrounding communities for over 43 years. Fred also farmed in the 70's and worked for Cameron Mills and General Dynamics in Waco. He enjoyed gardening, canning, building furniture, working puzzles, and working on and taking care of his farm. Fred loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Fred is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Malcolm Haberl; and a nephew, Michael Watson Jr.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Mechell of West; his children, Wilma Spaulding and husband John of Midlothian, Andrew Mechell and wife Julia of West, and Adam Mechell and wife Claire of  Woodway; his cherished grandchildren, Henry and Anna Spaulding; his blond lab and sidekick, Daisy; sisters, Doris Horton and husband Floyd and Joanie Watson and husband Michael; brothers, Jerry Mechell and wife Janie, Larry Mechell, and Terry Mechell and wife Julie; brothers and sisters-in-law, Doris Haberl, Joe Veselka and wife Janice, Linda Sulak and husband Steven, and Richard Veselka and wife Paula; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Mark Pavelka, Paul Haberl, James Watson, Jimmy Grmela, James Veselka, and Bradley Sulak.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund or St. Mary's Cemetery Association.