George Melvin Jr.

George Melvin, Jr., was born as the only child to Olga Mae Meade and George Melvin on February 16, 1929, in Paintsville, Kentucky. Growing up during the Great Depression, George and his family endured many hardships and learned to appreciate the simple values in life.

At the age of 18, George answered the call to service and enlisted in the United States Air Force. George proudly served his country for a total of 22 years, and he completed many tours of duty in countries all over the world, including England, Germany, Vietnam, Greenland, Guam, and Thailand. He was a veteran of the Korean War and of the Vietnam War. He completed 75 combat support missions in Vietnam, and was awarded the distinguished Air Medal. He was a part of and witnessed many historic moments, including being stationed in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. During his years of service, he also had the opportunity to personally meet two U.S. presidents.

Bearing a true servant’s heart, George continued his public service even after his honorable discharge from the military. He went on to a second career to work for the Veteran’s Administration for 19 more years. He also proudly served the Texas Highway Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

George was a devoted family man. He met his wife of 67 years, Katie, while he was stationed in Austin at Bergstrom Air Force Base. Together they raised two children, Sherry and Stephen. “Papaw” was also very proud of and devoted to his two beloved grandchildren, Ava and Jake.

George was an avid reader, consuming the newspaper cover-to-cover each day. He had a great knowledge of both current events and of history, particularly the Civil War. He also enjoyed watching the UT Longhorns play football. George was engaging and warm to all he met. Any who lent their ear would be rewarded with humor, insight, and even a history lesson or two.

George was a man of great integrity and of simple values. He never met a stranger and would help any who asked. Growing up poor and with limited opportunities, George built his life on core values of integrity, honesty, loyalty, service, and duty, which he passed to his children.

George passed away July 31, 2017, surrounded by the love, care, and comfort of his family. He is survived by his loving wife Katie, daughter Sherry, son Stephen (Catherine), and grandchildren Ava and Jake. He was preceded in death by his mother Olga Mae, his father George Sr., and his half-sister Pine.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Cook Walden Funeral Home, Austin, Texas. The family invites all to join them following the visitation for a military funeral honors ceremony to be held graveside at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charity.

To share condolences with the family, please visit George’s online guestbook at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com