Funeral service for COL (Retired) Ralph W. Melcher will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 16, 2023 in Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial with full military honors will follow in Post Cemetery, Fort Sill.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

COL (Retired) Ralph W. Melcher died Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 95.  He was born October 20, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas to Elmer and Cora Melcher.  He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He married Anita Ehler, daughter of Lee Roy and Laura Ehler of Lawton, on November 8, 1946 in the Old Post Chapel at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Colonel Melcher retired from the U.S. Army  in 1974 and among his decorations and awards are the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army General Staff Identification Badge, Aircraft Crewman's Badge, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, World War II Victory Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany and Japan), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Korean Service Medal with 5 campaign stars and the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal (Korea).

Retiring in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he attended graduate school for two years at the University of Colorado, completing his studies in Public Administration in 1982.  He was a realtor in Colorado for 14 years.  Subsequently moving to San Antonio, Texas he continued working in real estate.  In 1984-86 he was president of the 25th Infantry Division Association and returned to Korea in 1985, 86 & 87, at the invitation of the 25th Infantry Division Commanding Generals, with groups of Korean War veterans to participate with elements of the Division who were there for training exercise "Team Spirit" in commemoration / memorial events at Division battle sites.

In 1985 Colonel Melcher was one of 39 U.S. Armed Forces Korean War Veterans meeting in Arlington, Virginia to become charter/founding members of the National Korean War Veterans Association.  He was active in several other military organizations and activities over the years in Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.  He and his wife returned to Lawton-Fort Sill in 2006 to live in an assisted living facility.

He was a member of the Masonic Order and National Sojourners Fort Sill Chapter #129, Military Officers Association of America , 24th and 25th Infantry Division Associations, the Field Artillery Association (OCS Chapter), the Military Order of World Wars General Critz Chapter, Korean War Veterans Association and had been inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.

He is survived by a son, Mark Melcher; a daughter, Laura Melcher; a grandson, Brian Melcher and wife Anita; a granddaughter, Kaitlin Melcher-Martinez; three great granddaughters, Carolina, Annalisa and Nayelli; his sister-in-law, Betty Melcher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brothers, Newell, Alvin, Elvin and George, and sisters, Mary and Ruth.

Memorial contributions for macular degeneration research may be made to BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.