Cecil "Rick" Melker

Cecil Richard (Rick) Melker left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on October 11th, 2021. Rick passed away while his wife, daughter, and son were by his side. At the time of his passing, he was 70 years of age.

Rick was born on February 2, 1951, in Oklahoma City to Cecil and Lorene Melker. He spent his childhood in Oklahoma City, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1969. He attended Oklahoma State University where he studied Business, majoring in Economics. Up until his passing, he maintained long-standing relationships with dear friends from high school and college.

After a brief stint working for the State of Oklahoma, he moved to Denver to enjoy the Rocky Mountains. Shortly after moving, he began his career in the Oil and Gas industry. He spent six years at Mobil Oil before joining The Williams Companies in 1980. Rick worked at Williams for 35 years, in Denver, Houston, and Tulsa, retiring in 2016 as the Director of Gas & Commodity Management.

During his career, he was best known for the relationships he formed inside his company and across the industry. He was highly regarded for his mentorship of young professionals, taking an active role in Williams’ Professional Development Program. He was more pleased by the successes of those he invested in than in his own personal achievements. His coworkers enjoyed his sense of humor and knew him as a supportive friend and a collaborative colleague. Rick always had a welcoming smile and was generous with his time, talent, and treasures. He loved to explore new restaurants and cuisines, whether during his lunch hour with friends or while traveling the world with his family.

Above his dedication to career and company, Rick was a devoted family man. He dedicated his life to the love and support of his wife and family. His wife, Roxanne, was the light of his life and he was her rock and best friend. Rick never missed the opportunity to support Roxanne in her many hobbies and professional endeavors. He loved to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their activities, and showed them continual love and affection. Rick especially enjoyed being outside, whether gardening, attending an OSU football game, or simply sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee.

Rick was intentional in his faith with an active pursuit of a strong relationship with his savior, Jesus Christ. He enjoyed reading the scriptures and listening to a variety of online sermons each week. Throughout his life, Rick was involved in his church as a regular participant and frequent volunteer. While attending Life Church Edmond, he joined an active Life Group where he formed many deep friendships. In his retirement, he was fueled by the opportunity to build new relationships. He treasured his time with his weekly men’s breakfast group, was excited to volunteer in the community, and often turned strangers into friends.

Those who knew Rick – for a few moments or for many years – knew him to be kind, inquisitive, witty, and often philosophical. He invested in the people around him, making them feel loved and known.

Rick is survived by Roxanne, his beloved wife of 46 years; their two children, Chelsey Sweet and her husband Barry, Keith Melker and his wife Jessica; his seven grandchildren, Mikayla, Chloe, Emma, Marshall, Hayden, Payson and Madison; his younger sister Cindy Stahl; and his mother Lorene Melker. He also had close and important relationships with his two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law. Rick dearly loved his seven nieces and one nephew, along with their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Andrew Melker.

His memorial service will be held Thursday, October 21st at 3:00 pm at Life Church Edmond, 4600 E. 2nd Street, Edmond, OK 73034. A reception will be held immediately following the service at Venue 102, 94 W. 1st Street, Edmond, OK 73003.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to one of Rick’s favorite charities, Hope Center Ministries, an Oklahoma City Men's Center focused on restoring hope and faith in Jesus. He was most excited about the mentoring aspect of the program.

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