Melade "M.S." DeGaish

Melade “M.S.” DeGaish

12/24/1933 - 5/4/2023

Our precious Dad, M.S. DeGaish, age 89, of Portland, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 4, 2023.

M.S. was born on December 24, 1933, in Sweetwater, TX to Shaffe and Lorece DeGaish.  He attended Sweetwater High School and Clarendon Junior College.  He was a star athlete at Trinity University and graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Education.  He later received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University.

M.S. also served our country in the Army following his college years.  

His family was his greatest joy in life.  He married Mary Darlene Ganem on July 4, 1960 and together they had five beautiful children.  M.S. was a long time resident of Portland, TX.  He was a beloved coach and teacher at Robstown High School before moving to Portland in 1970.  He spent 28 years both as a teacher and administrator with Gregory-Portland ISD.  For many years, he served as a member of the Portland Lions Club and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary D. DeGaish, son Mark DeGaish, parents Shaffe and Lorece DeGaish, sister Mary (Alec) Saied and brother M.S. “De” (Judy) DeGaish.

He is survived by his four children; Miriam (Jamey) Plunk, Darlene (David) Laughlin, Brett (Nanette) DeGaish, Debra (Blake) Seaman and daughter-in-law Donna DeGaish; grandchildren Kaili (Ryan) Skrobarczyk, Jordan (Chelsea) Adams, Hannah DeGaish, Tori (Matt) Blonder, Zachary (Jessica) Plunk, Brooke DeGaish, Cara DeGaish, Amanda Laughlin and 7 great grandchildren; Connor, Maggie, Leila, Allie, Gracie, Merit, baby Plunk on the way along with many more loved family members and friends.

Our Daddy, Dad, Gido and Mr. D blessed so many and could always be relied upon to offer his love, encouragement and support to all who crossed his path.  His kind and gentle nature was sure to make anyone feel special.  He loved us all so completely and will be dearly missed.

A special, heartfelt thank you is extended to all those at Brookdale Northshore in Portland and Elan Memory Care in Corpus Christi who took such loving care of our Dad.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland.  A funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Portland, TX.

Interment to follow at Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX, 78374 (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com