Walter F. Mellor Jr.

Walter F. Mellor Jr., 83, died Aug. 18, 2012, at The Arbors at The Lakes at Pointe West. He was born in Norwich, Conn., and lived in Vero Beach since 1977, coming from Atlanta. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army in 1977, having served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and other American and Foreign Service Medals to include the Republic of Vietnam Medal of Honor. He was a charter member and past president of Military Officers Association of America; past president of Vero Shores Homeowners Association; and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach. Survivors include his son, Wayne D. Mellor; daughters, Judith Rixom and Eileen Ganser, all of Vero Beach; brother, Arthur Mellor of Lisbon, Conn.; sister, Shirley Burlingham of Bluffton, S.C.; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lynn, in 2005. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Services: A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 25 at First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach, with the Rev. Timothy Womack officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guestbook is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.