ALBERT MELDE SR.

All praise and honor be to God, our Father, for the life of Albert A. Melde, Sr., who came into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 30, 2018, at the age of 99.

Al was born on March 7, 1920, in Thorndale, Texas, to Henry Ludwig and Minnie Schraeder Melde. He fondly recalled growing up on a farm near the San Gabriel River with his three brothers, John, Gus, and Leon. A strong work ethic came naturally to him as he worked alongside his brothers picking cotton and doing farm chores.

Al chose the career path of civil service - first in Baytown, Texas, and then at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant and Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. His 44 years of service included serving as Civilian Executive at Red River under thirteen military commanders. Those who worked with him often remarked about his sense of integrity, fairness, and dedication.

It was at the Officers’ Club at Red River that Mr. Melde met the love of his life, Jo. In three short weeks they were engaged and were married three months later on January 1, 1957. They soon began their family with daughter, Vicki, and then son, Al, Jr.. Texarkana was their home and they both were committed to giving back to their community in countless ways. God blessed them with 61 years of marriage that exemplified what He intended marriage to be.

Local service organizations that benefitted from Al’s leadership as President include the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, Wadley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Caddo Council, and PTA, of which he was a life member. His service expanded beyond Texarkana when he led the Texas Hospital Trustees Association and the American Ordinance Association.

He led by example - never asking of others anything he wasn’t willing to do himself.

Scouting was an extremely important facet of Al’s life, and he was honored with the “Silver Beaver” for his contributions to the organization. He was also honored with membership in the “Order of the Arrow”. His professional service was lauded as he was twice recognized with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. An avid golfer, he enjoyed walking the 18-hole course (not riding in a cart!) at Texarkana Country Club, until he was 95.