Robert A Melcher

Robert A. “Bob” Melcher, was born February 4, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. After his mother’s passing at the age of 6 months he came to live and was raised in Mt. Vernon, Illinois with his mother’s sister’s family, Ella and Lester Whitlock. He passed away in Cape Girardeau, MO, at age 94 on July 23, 2014. He is predeceased by his wives, Doris Carroll Melcher, and Cleva Lucille Melcher, his parents, Sophia and Albert Melcher, Ella and Lester Whitlock, brothers, Marion Melcher, Russell Whitlock, William “Bill” Whitlock, and niece, Lynn Whitlock, He is survived by his children, son, Steve (Brenda) Melcher of Normal, IL, Melinda (David) Zimmer of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Beth (Nick) Wood of Phoenix, AZ. He had 7 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Doris Carroll, on May 30, 1941, and shortly thereafter served in World War II as Army Military Police attached to the Air Force in Italy on the Isle of Capri and in Northern Africa. After he returned from the war, he worked with New York Life Insurance, and then moved on to a career in banking. He began as a Teller, and then was promoted to Head Cashier with First National Bank in Mt. Vernon, IL, to Vice President of First Community Bank in West Frankfurt, IL, and served as President of Security National Bank in Cairo, IL, Edgar County Bank, in Paris, IL, and then his move to Chandler, AZ, in 1973, as President of First American National Bank, retiring in 1986. His wife, Doris, passed in December of 1996, and in October, 1999, he married lifetime family friend, Cleva Puntney Melcher. This marriage brought the number of children to 10, adding Janice Rogers, Mary Lynne Crabtree, Joe Plemon, Teresa Bell, Anita Puntney, Eric Puntney and Robyn Puntney. After their marriage, Bob and Cleva resided in Chandler, AZ and Mt. Vernon, IL, where Cleva passed in March of 2014. Bob was always involved in civic activities, and serving his community was important to him. He greeted all who entered the bank with a handshake and a smile and his door was always open to sit a spell. He served on many boards, and through the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, was Director of Military Affairs for Williams Air Force Base, in Chandler, AZ, as well as President of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, and the Chandler Rotary Club. His involvement with military affairs was especially close to his heart. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Mt. Vernon, IL, followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m., on August 23, 2014. A Military Honors graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery following the service for those who wish to attend. The family suggests that any contributions be made to a Charity of your choice. Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Robert A Melcher

February 4, 1920 - July 23, 2014