Robert Melcher

Robert A. "Bob" Melcher, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014.

He was born Feb. 4, 1921, in St. Louis. After his mother's passing when he was 6 months old, he lived and was raised in Mount Vernon, Illinois, with his mother's sister's family, Ella and Lester Whitlock.

He was preceded in death 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 a niece, Lynn Whitlock.

Survivors include a son, Steve (Brenda) Melcher of Normal, Illinois; two daughters, Melinda (David) Zimmer of Cape Girardeau and Beth (Nick) Wood of Phoenix; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Doris Carroll, on May 30, 1941.

Shortly thereafter he served in World War II with the Army military police attached to the Air Force in Italy and North Africa.

After he returned from the war he worked with New York Life Insurance, and then moved on to a career in banking. He served as teller and head cashier of First National Bank in Mount Vernon, vice president of First Community Bank in West Frankfort, Illinois, and president of Security National Bank in Cairo, Illinois, Edgar County Bank in Paris, Illinois, and First American National Bank in Chandler, Arizona, retiring in 1986.

Doris passed in 1996, and in 1999 he married lifetime family friend Cleva Puntney. Cleva passed in March 2014 in Mount Vernon.

Bob served on many community boards throughout his career and through the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, was director of military affairs for Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, as well as president of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, and Chandler Rotary Club.

Visitation will begin at noon Aug. 23 at First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, followed by a celebration of life service at 1 p.m. A military honors graveside service will be at Oakwood Cemetery following the service for those who wish to attend.

The family suggests that any contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of local arrangements.

To leave online condolences, visit crainsonline.com.