Obituary of Rex Eugene Melton, 88

Rex Eugene Melton, son of Reuben Ephriam and Nellie Bly (White) Melton, died on March 13, 2010 at the age of 88 following a heart attack. Rex was born in Ozark, Mo. on Dec. 4, 1921 — the fifth of six children of which he was the last survivor.

He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the 454 Bombardment Group, piloting B-24 aircraft in the European and Mediterranean theatres where he flew 24 missions and was decorated with a Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with two clusters.

Following military service, he completed a Masters in Forestry at the University of Michigan. In 1947 he was hired as an Instructor of Forestry at the Mont Alto Campus of Penn State University. Till his death he maintained many warm friendships from the Mont Alto days. In 1954 he transferred to the main campus where he headed the Stone Valley Experimental Forest for a number of years and served on the faculty of the Forestry Department until he retired as Professor Emeritus in 1988 after 41 years of service. During his years on the faculty he was known for the difficulty of his Dendrology course and was recognized for Excellence in Advising.

Rex pursued many hobbies during his life. He tied his own fishing flies, hunted, played the harmonica, and practiced beekeeping, wood working and leather craft. In his later years he extensively recorded his favorite music from radio and TV sources, and maintained large gardens filled with lilies and iris. Birds found a steady supply of food, including the dozens of hummingbirds who always summered at his home.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie (Maddox) Melton, and is survived by his four children and their spouses, Mary Dawn White and her husband, Brian, Carolyn Kay Hoch and her husband, Brad, Karen Ann Melton and her husband, John Margerum, and Rex Eugene Melton, Jr. and his wife, Christiana. He has five grandchildren, Lisa White married to Eric Burkhart, Susan Stewart married to Drew Stewart, Jonathan Hoch married to Melissa Hoch, Emily Weaver married to Matt Weaver, and Adam Hoch married to Ingrid Hoch. There are two great-grandchildren, Will and Katie Stewart. He was greatly loved by and devoted to his family.

A memorial service is planned at Koch Funeral Home in State College on Sunday March 21, 2010, with visitation from noon -2 p.m. and a memorial service from 2-3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Attn: Rex Melton Memorial Fund, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Penn State University, 3400 Discovery Road, Petersburg, PA 16669.