Melvin Douglas Riff

Melvin Douglas Riff of Hondo, 94, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Born Sept. 6, 1931, in Hondo, he was the son of Robert H. and Elsie Schweers Riff.

Douglas graduated Hondo High School and from there joined the Corps at A&M. After commissioning as 2nd lieutenant, he joined the US Army 82nd Airborne and would later be promoted to 1st lieutenant as a jump school instructor at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Years later he left regular active duty and was promoted to Captain, heading up the Hondo National Guard Armory.

Besides cattle ranching and farming he was president of Leon Sand and Gravel in San Antonio. Other companies he headed up were Vulcan Materials and Redland-Worth Stone Products.

He was adevout Christian, Mason, and a loving father and friend and will be sorely missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dottie Riff; son, Robert Douglas Riff; and sister, Ruth Shapiro_.

He is survived by his sons, John A. Riff (Karen) and Steven Riff (Joann); daughter, Susan Riff; grandchildren, Michael, Amanda, Haley, Sarah, Erin, Josie, Robby, Katie, Michael Brothers and Margaret Dearing; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, at the Fountain of Life Center, New Fountain Methodist Church.