Otto Edward Melsa

He was born on August 17, 1923 in Pittsburg, KS to the late Edward and Lena Judiz Melsa. A longtime Jacksonian, Mr. Melsa was a charter member of Northside United Methodist Church. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific during WWII. Afterward, he served in the National Guard and rose to the rank of Colonel. An outgoing person, he traveled the world and enjoyed seeing and meeting new people.

He was a longtime referee and sporting official with TSSAA and served the Jackson and surrounding areas during the ‘50s and ‘60s.

After WWII, he worked for the Illinois Central railroad and retired from AMTRAK as an Engineer.

Otto’s proudest accomplishment was his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Albert Melsa.

He is survived by his children, Lynn Walker of Memphis, TN; and Larry Melsa (Shirley) of South Fulton, TN; grandchildren, Melissa Brown of Franklin, TN, Luke Melsa of Austin, TX, Helen Marie Melsa of Spring Hill, TN, Tish Bartlett of Memphis, TN and Tripp Walker of Key Largo, FL; and fourteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Otto will be held on Monday, November 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel with interment to follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 23, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel.