Melvin Lichtenegger

Melvin H. Lichtenegger entered heaven at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005.

He was the son of August T. and O'Tille Meyr Lichtenegger, born Jan. 12, 1918, in Dutchtown. Melvin graduated from Trinity Lutheran School and Central High School in Cape Girardeau, where he played the drums and violin.

Melvin and Norma M. Meyer of Jackson were married Jan. 5, 1941. They were blessed with four sons, Harold Bernard (Anita), David Jerome (Fran), John Paul (Donna), James Norman; a sister, Helen Schmidt of Frohna, Mo.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Norma, sons Harold and David, and brothers Otto and W.J. (Wilmer).

Melvin and Norma owned and operated Lichtenegger Finer Foods and was a master meat cutter in Jackson from 1947 until his retirement in 1980.

He was a board member and president of the Missouri Retail Grocers Association. Melvin served as president of Jackson Chamber of Commerce in 1950 to 1951 and also from 1973 to 1975. He served as president of Jackson Community Betterment Program in 1962, 1964, and 1965. Melvin served on the Jackson Park Board, Jackson Retail Merchants Board and Jackson Benchwarmers. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary and served on the board for many years.

Melvin and his wife Norma were active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Melvin served as assistant scout master of Troop 11 while Norma was a den mother for many years.

Melvin was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He served as a member of the Parish Board for Education. He was past superintendent of the Sunday school and past president of St. Paul's Men's Club. Melvin was very active in the Lutheran Laymen's League.

In recognition for his service to the community he received the following awards: honorary membership in Jackson FFA, Jackson Community Betterment Award, Past Presidents Award from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, 4-H Club County Bronze Plaque for service, R.A. Fulenmider Award for service to Jackson and the community.

Melvin enjoyed taxidermy, woodworking, fishing, making 8mm movies and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melvin was instrumental in starting the Jackson Senior Center, making his former supermarket and equipment available as the activity center after his retirement.

Visitation will be held at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson with the Rev. David Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to Jackson Senior Center Foundation, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or The Lutheran Home for the Aged.