Robert Carney Meltvedt, M.D.

Robert (Bob) Meltvedt was born September 1, 1922 in Marshalltown Iowa. He began his life on a farm and attended Marshalltown grade schools, junior and senior high school, graduating in 1940. After attending various colleges in Iowa and California, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and was soon called to active duty. After pilots training he was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, received his pilot wings in 1944 and was sent to P47 fighter training. Late Spring 1944 he left New York City on the British Line Queen Elizabeth for England. He was initially stationed in England and assigned to the 506th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. He soon moved to Normandy, France flying P47 Thunderbolt fighters escorting bombers and supporting ground troops. He advanced with troops across France then to Belgium for 6 months – during the “Battle of the Bulge”. He left active duty December 1945 as a First Lieutenant. He earned several decorations during WWII including the Distinguished Flying Cross, ETC campaign ribbon, Air Medal, French Crois de Guerre with Palm, Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragere.

After the war, Bob enrolled in the University of Southern California (USC) to finish his engineering degree while also staying active in the Air Corp Reserve. He was recalled briefly to active duty U.S. during the Korean War. On January 20, 1952 he married his beloved Beverly Mae Johnson in Marshalltown and they moved back to Southern California. After working in the aeronautics engineering field for Northrop Aircraft, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. In June 1957 he graduated from USC Medical School. Bob and Bev moved to Fresno, California for his internship and he eventually began private practice in Obstetrics & Gynecology in June 1961.

After a long career in Fresno, Dr. Meltvedt delivered his last of over 10,000 babies in 1994 but continued to practice surgery until his full retirement in 2008. In addition to raising their 5 children, Bob and Bev loved to take golf vacations to Hawaii, visiting with their grandchildren and enjoying their large circle of friends. Always an engineer, he was constantly building audio equipment or investing in the latest video technology, always ready to film a family event or air show. With his pilot background, he continued to be interested in military aviation and enjoyed spending time at Eagle Field, the site of his early military training. He loved music and had an extensive library of music audio and videos from the Big Band era. He was a frequent guest on a local music television show where he shared his incredible collection, knowledge and personal stories.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Beverly Mae Meltvedt; his parents Carney and Irva Meltvedt, his brothers Richard Meltvedt and David Meltvedt and his sister Mary Ann Trobaugh.

He is survived by his son Robert Meltvedt, Jr.; his daughters Karen Meltvedt Brown, Elizabeth Dunshee, Deborah Meltvedt, and Mary Kay Meltvedt Payne; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and countless friends and extended family.

His family and friends will always remember Bob’s keen intelligence, quick wit, love of family, devotion to his patients, enjoyment of friends and a never-ending curiosity to learn. Bob enjoyed a full life and always had a new story to tell from one of his many life experiences. He also had a knack for crossing paths with celebrities – which always led to a colorful story.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held on August 17th at 11:00 am at New Harvest Church, 698 N. Minnewawa, Clovis, California 93611.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Lions Club/Eagle Field, 11100 W. Eagle Ave., Firebaugh, CA 93622 or St. Agnes Foundation, P.O. Box 27350, Fresno, CA 93729 or online at https://www.samc.com/donate.