Obituaries

Albert Melde

Photo of Albert  Melde
All praise and honor be to God, our Father, for the life of Albert A. Melde, Sr., who came into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 30, 2018, at the age of 98. Al was born on March 7, 1920, in Thorndale, Texas, to Henry Ludwig and Minnie Schraeder Melde. He fondly recalled growing up on a farm near the San Gabriel River with his three brothers, John, Gus, and Leon. A strong work ethic came naturally to him as he worked alongside his brothers picking cotton and doing farm chores. Al chose the career path of civil service - first in Baytown, Texas, and then at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant and Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. His 44 years of service included serving as Civilian Executive at Red River under thirteen military commanders. Those who worked with him often remarked about his sense of integrity, fairness, and dedication. It was at the Officers' Club at Red River that Al met the love of his life, Jo. In three short weeks they were engaged and were married three months later on January 1, 1957. They soon began their family with daughter, Vicki, and then son, Al, Jr.. Texarkana was their home and they both were committed to giving back to their community in countless ways. God blessed them with 61 years of marriage that exemplified what He intended marriage to be. Local service organizations that benefited from Al's leadership as President include the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, Wadley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Caddo Council, and PTA, of which he was a life member. His service expanded beyond Texarkana when he led the Texas Hospital Trustees Association and the American Ordinance Association. He led by example - never asking of others anything he wasn't willing to do himself. Scouting was an extremely important facet of Al's life, and he was honored with the "Silver Beaver" for his contributions to the organization. He was also honored with membership in the "Order of the Arrow". His professional service was lauded as he was twice recognized with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. An avid golfer, he enjoyed walking the 18-hole course (not riding in a cart!) at Texarkana Country Club, until he was 95. While he excelled in his career and service to his community, it was faith and family that were at the core of this gentle man's life. He continued to study God's word and share it with others all of his life and was blessed to have found his church home at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. The way he conducted his life on a daily basis was a testament to his faith and an example for others of the joy that is found in knowing Jesus Christ and placing him as the priority in life. A more devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend would be impossible to find. "Big Al" was Grandad to John and Anna - spending quality time with them throughout their lives whether driving them to their activities, playing school for hours on end in the garage, or just talking and listening - and sharing the wisdom he had gained in his 98 years. He and Jo became the adoptive parents and grandparents for dozens of friends and neighbors (and friends' and neighbors' pets) who were drawn to his sweet spirit and caring nature. His legacy is the unconditional love and kindness he extended to everyone who was privileged to know him. A man of deepest integrity and impeccable character, Al's favorite saying was simply "Do Good." And that he certainly did. Well done thou good and faithful servant. Al's life and faith will be celebrated with a memorial service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. Brad Morgan and Reverend Larry Sims officiating. Visitation will follow the service in Wesley Hall. Memorials Cook Children's Health Foundation (Where Anna cares for children) 801 7th Avenue, Ft. Worth, TX 76104 Boy Scouts Caddo Council Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Or the charity of your choice.

Published November 3, 2018

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