Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes and Hedges Cemetery - Camdenton on Dec. 5, 2024.
John Melcher, age 85, of
Camdenton, Missouri passed away on December 3, 2024 at Boone Hospital. John D Melcher was born February 26, 1939 in Kansas City, MO. As a young child, his family moved to Lake Lotawana where he enjoyed swimming and boating with his older brother Bob. After completion of elementary school, the family moved back to Kansas City where he attended and graduated from Southeast High School.
He attended University of Kansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. After graduated, John enlisted in the US. Air Force in 1961. After basic training at San Antonio, TX, John was accepted to the Officer Training School and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. After which he was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. John resigned from the Air Force November 1971 as a 1st Lieutenant.
John then returned to Kansas City and worked for two aviation electronic companies. After a few years, John moved to Lake of the Ozarks to assist running his family run resort, Millstone Lodge with his father. He continued to work there after his father retired and managed the resort until it was sold.
He purchased Laurie Office Supply in Laurie, MO in 1987 and bought Lakeside Office Supply in
Camdenton, MO a year later. John operated Lakeside Office Supply up until his death alongside his wife Debby. In recent years, John and Debby claim to have retired, and operate the business as a hobby.
John spent many years of the Board of Directors of Quality Industries, a sheltered workshop in Versailles, MO as well as on the Board of Directors of Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce.
December 29, 1993, John and Deborah Dunn entered into marriage after several years together. They were member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in
Camdenton, MO where John served on the church council and was congregational President for several years.
John and Debby enjoyed many years of square dancing with local and state clubs throughout of Missouri. They even enjoyed a cruise with other square dancers from around the county, making numerous friends. They also enjoyed local arts programs, including Maples Repertory Theater in Macon, MO, Lebanon Concert Association, Lake Area Jazz Band, Lake Area Community Orchestra, and the Greater Lake Area Chorale. They also enjoyed traveling to Morgan City, LA for the annual Shrimp & Petroleum Festival and visiting Chris an Regina Wheeler as well as all the areas Kathy lived around the country.
John passed peacefully with family by his side Dec 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Luther and Ruth Wenne Melcher, and his brother Robert Melcher. He is survived by his wife Debby, stepson Christopher Wheeler and wife Regina Wiese Wheeler of Patterson, LA, stepdaughter Kathryn Wheeler of Charleston, SC, sister-in-law Darlene Melcher, nephew Terrance Melcher and niece Jennifer Melcher.
Celebration of Life services will be held in February of 2025 and will be announced by Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or Lake Arts Council.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5,
Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.