Melba J. Clarke Hansard passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Melba was born in Crane, Texas to Charles Alexander and Hazel Aberegg Clarke. 

Melba grew up in Midland, Texas where she attended Midland High School. She met her best friend and husband of 49 years in Odessa, Texas. George and Melba were married on Feb. 18, 1956. They nurtured a home and community alongside their four sons in Lamesa, Texas. They served faithfully as members of First Baptist Church Lamesa for more than 50 years. 

Melba is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Edward Clarke and Richard Clarke, and husband Judge George H. Hansard, Sr. 

 She is survived by her four sons, George H. Hansard, Jr. of Fort Stockton and wife Stacy, Mark Hansard of St. Louis and wife Susan, Jeff Hansard of Midland, and Sam Hansard of Lubbock; 10 grandchildren Nicholas Hansard, Lindsay (Hansard) Dusek and husband Brian, Maygen (Hansard) Nolan and husband Trevor, Andrew Hansard, Hannah McClintock and husband Brian, Kyle Hansard and wife Jennifer, Shelby Ganaden and husband Thomas, Taylor Hansard, George H. Hansard III (Trey), and Kelsea Hansard; five great-grandchildren Paisley, Dax and Beckett Dusek, Ethan and Sebastian Hansard and two nephews Bruce and Frank Clarke. 

Melba loved her family fiercely and embraced her role as matriarch. Her family will miss her zest for life, stubborn will, and ability to recall the finite details of days past. 

The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the staff of Home Instead and Angel’s Care Hospice for the love and care they provided Melba in the final year of her life. 

Family will receive friends and loved ones Friday, Feb. 9 between 4 and 6 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa, Texas. Services will be officiated by Brother Jim Medley, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Dawson County Cemetery in Lamesa, Texas. Melba’s earthly body will rest next to her husband, but her spirit will rejoice in Heaven for eternity. 

Honoring Melba as pallbearers will be George Hansard, Jr.; Mark Hansard; Jeff Hansard; Sam Hansard; Kyle Hansard; George Hansard III, and Andrew Hansard. 

The family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Lamesa or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. 

To send condolences online, please visit: www.branonfuneralhome.com