Melvin Lechtenberger

A Funeral Service for Melvin Adolph Lechtenberger, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, with Reverend Randy Ludwig officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. Melvin passed away suddenly, February 10, 2012, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 92 during one of his routine morning exercise walks that he loved so much. He lived a happy and full life as a husband, dad, granddad and great granddad, was a man of deep faith, helped men and women of all ages in need, and was absolutely certain of where he was going when he left this earth. In his later years he most enjoyed his family, his daily devotionals, square dancing with his partner Christie Sparks, and his home at Good Samaritan Village. He was born March 18, 1919, in Ohiowa, NE, and was the last surviving son of Adolph Otto and Clara Jordan Lechtenberger. He married Mildred Lou Cobb on June 10, 1944, in Beaumont, TX. Mildred passed away November 25, 1971. He married Marjorie Lozier on January 20, 1973, at Berryville, AR. He was a long time Dairy Farmer and Restaurant/Grocery owner in Geneva, NE, and was part owner of the Fisherman's Inn Restaurant with his brother William (Bill) and owner operator of M&M Grocery, Service Station and Trailer Park in Lakeview, AR. He was a founding father of the town of Lakeview, served on the City Council for a number of years, was instrumental in bringing municipal water to the town and served many years as a Fire Commissioner. Melvin was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He lived in Mountain Home, Arkansas since 1960, moving from Geneva, Nebraska. Melvin is survived by three sons; Melvin A. (Kathryn) Lechtenberger, of Mountain Home, AR, John F. (Linda) Lechtenberger, of Williams, AZ; Ronald D. (Joyce) Lechtenberger, of Mountain Home, AR, his Aunt, Esther Lechtenberger Webb, of Alamogordo, NM, his first daughter-in-law Debbe Baker Lechtenberger, eight grandchildren, Robert A., Ashley D., Casey A., Alyssa J., Jennifer B., A. Cole, Alicia J., Azia M., and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 infant daughters, 5 brothers and 2 sisters, and his 1st and 2nd wives. Burial will be in Baxter Memorial Gardens with Benny Magness, Dave Miller, Richard Miller, Rob Lechtenberger, Cole Lechtenberger, and Casey Lechtenberger, as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thayne "Buzz" Edwards and Bill Clements. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Society of Mountain Home. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.