Robert “Bob” E. Melcher, 79, of Laramie died Tuesday May 2, 2017 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
He was born October 11, 1937 in Laramie, Wyoming the son of Albert and Bertha (Osterman) Melcher. He grew up in Laramie and entered the U.S. Army in 1958 receiving an honorable discharge in 1961. Upon his return to Wyoming he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad working as a building and bridge foremen, retiring in 1994. Bob married Linda Massie August 24, 1980 in Centennial, WY. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and woodcarving. He also was an accomplished artist with his many paintings. Another hobby was sharping knives, making sure every knife in the house was always sharp. In the later years, he delivered home meals.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Charles, Jeanette, Albert, Isabelle and William “Billy”.
He is survived by his wife Linda Melcher of Laramie, WY; children, Larry Melcher of Salem, OR; Justin Johnson (Roberta) of Laramie, WY; Reagan Vickich (Mike) of Houston, TX and Jared Johnson (Jennifer) of Suzhou, China. Surviving grandchildren are Ashley Harrison, Felicia Gallegos, Terrence “TJ” Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Hailey Vickich, Katelyn Vickich, Allison Vickich, Mariella Johnson and Landry Johnson. Also surviving are his great grandchildren Raelynn Harrison, Gianni Vitley, Donaven Gellegos, Kyler Gellegos, Noah Gellegos and Cora Gellegos.
A celebration of life will be held Monday May 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Eppson Center for Seniors with Pastor Alan Engle officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Eppson Center for Seniors, 1560 No. 3rd Street, Laramie, WY 82070.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies. Kris
Linda, and all the family, we are so sorry for your loss. May you find deep peace during this difficult time. Mike and Claudette Mosier
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob worked with my father on the railroad. He was a good co-worker, great friend, and an all around terrific guy. All of my siblings loved getting to see Bob and visit with him. He had an infectious smile and was so kind and gentle. The Fink Family will miss him!
Linda and family, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Bob was not only a cousin, but a dear friend as well. I will miss talking with him on the telephone like we regularly did. I'm sorry that I won't be able to make it to his Celebration of Life, so please let the rest of your family know that I also send them my condolences. Bob will truly be missed.
Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I will always remember Bob as a gentle and insightful person. When I would sit beside him as the many FCS gatherings at your house, he would always make me laugh. I loved his insights into the many different facets of human nature.