Melvin Leonard Greenhut

Melvin L. Greenhut, 90, resident of Rockwall, TX, died peacefully in Naples, Fl on August 6, 2011. Born in New York, NY on March 10, 1921, he was a devoted Christian and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mel is survived by Marre, his loving wife of 67 years, and 4 children Peggy (Ron) Chase, Pam Blaylock, John (Karen) Greenhut and Pat Thomsen; 9 grandchildren Richie (Carrie) Hare, Jeff (Jennifer) Chase, Krista (Jed) Crump, Tyler (Christie) Chase, Chad Thomsen, Austin (Danielle) Greenhut, Susan Greenhut, Corey Thomsen and Gayle Greenhut; and 6 great-grandchildren. Mel served honorably in the US Army during WWII and then received his Ph.D in Economics from Washington University in 1951, marking the beginning of a career in academia. From 1951 until his active retirement in 1992, Mel served as a member of the faculty at Auburn University, Richmond University, Florida State University and Texas A&M University, where he first served as the dean of the economics department, and then as Distinguished Professor of Economics through 1992, when he added the title of emeritus. In 1986, Mel became the George and Gladys Abell Professor of Liberal Arts.

Throughout his career, Mel was a leading expert in the field of spatial economics and lectured extensively throughout the world. Mel performed summer visiting appointments at various universities (including Michigan State University, the University of Cape Town and the University of Pittsburgh) and additionally served as Adjunct Distinguished Professor at the University of Oklahoma and at the University of Karlsruhe in Germany. Mel was listed in "Who's Who in the United States" for more than 30 years and was also listed in the initial 1981 "Who's Who in Economics" and in the versions that followed. Mel authored or co-authored more than 20 books and hundreds of articles.

Mel devoted his life to his passions, which included his faith, his family, his friends, his work, sports (avid tennis player and golfer) and Texas A&M football. He also found going to good parties and dances among the best events in life.