Richard Melvin

Richard Taylor Melvin (Rick), age 86, of Florissant, Missouri passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in O'Fallon, Missouri. He was born in Madison, Indiana on February 28, 1938 to Louise Melvin (nee Bare). 

Rick grew up in a small town called Bedford, in Northern Kentucky. Always fascinated by space, space travel and aircraft, he pursued a Physics undergrad at Georgetown College immediately after graduating high school and later earned a Masters in Physics at Vanderbilt University. He took the first job offered him by the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation (later Boeing) where he was a dedicated employee for nearly 40 years. 

He and Rosemary met at Georgetown, were soon wed after graduation and have remained married for 64 years. They moved to St. Louis in 1962 to start the career and to raise a dedicated and successful family. Of all of Dad’s many and varied pursuits he clearly had the most fun watching his grandchildren learn and grow. He was fortunate to have four of his eight grandchildren live right here in the St. Louis area. “Papa” always did his best to attend concerts, plays, sports, church events and other activities of the grands. Although sometimes separated from his other grandkids by thousands of miles, both he and Rosie visited often and were always keen to hear of the distant family’s pursuits and many successes. Every new discovery by his grands were always a great thrill to him and he would tell anyone who would listen just how great they were!

Outside of family Dad had a variety of interests over his lifetime. His favorite by far was fast-pitch softball – a game he actively played through is late 50’s. He was a pitcher and he taught all three of his sons to appreciate the game and to throw from the pitcher’s mound. He was an astronomer, photographer, model airplane builder and flyer, country line dancer, muscle car and racing enthusiast and avid movie fan. His favorite in his later years was easily Top Gun which he would watch virtually any time it was available on TV.

Richard is survived by his Wife, Rosemary Melvin; Three Sons, Gary (Connie) Melvin, John (Susan) Melvin, Bill (Cari) Melvin; eight Grandchildren; eight Great-Grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Louise Melvin; Half Brother, Nicholas Melvin; Half Sister, Peggy Carter. 

Rick’s life will be celebrated at St. Peters Chapel, Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 on Thursday the 5th of September, 2024. Visitation starts at 10:00 with a memorial service starting at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, Oklahoma City, OK. https://www.usasoftball.com/national-hall-of-fame-museum/donate/#google_vignette 

To watch the Celebration of Life please click the following link, https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNTQ3OTAwMjMyNjczNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==