Frederick William Melber

MELBER.....Frederick William Melber, born December 2, 1919 died peacefully in his sleep on May 2, 2012. Fred was the only son of Killiam & Nettie Melber. His father died when he was only 5 years old and his mother was unable to cope with 8 children. Consequently, Fred spent most of his youth in the Episcopal Boys Home. Not finding college to his liking, Fred joined the Air Force, where he put his organizational skills to use working as commissary and supply officers. He retired from the Air Force as a Colonel.Having been set up on a blind date with a student nurse, Fred found he preferred his friend's date, Grace Johnson, instead and married her. Fred and Grace enjoyed many years as a military couple, living in Washington, Colorado, Spain and Germany. Fred lost Grace in 1984 to cancer, after nursing her himself with great care. In 1986 Fred married a family friend, Talona Newbern and they celebrated 19 years together. When she died in 2005, Fred went to live in a retirement facility, which is where he died.Fred had 7 sisters, who preceded him in death - Alice, Regina, Elsie, Caroline, Louise, Florence and Ruth. He leaves behind 2 nieces - Judy (Norman) Hill and Martha (Walter) McDougal, a stepson, William (Bobbi) Newbern- 4 step-grandchildren and 7 great step-grandchildren. Fred was so grateful to the Episcopal Home for the opportunities that he might not have had, that he has made many donations to them in trust.Services will be held privately at Oaklawn Cemetery.