Vernon Melchior

Vernon Gene Melchior, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born December

27, 1934, in the Gay Hill Community of Washington County, Texas, to Eugene and Erna Lange

Melchior.

Vernon married Fannye Jean Starkey on November 22, 1954. While living in Victoria, Texas,

they welcomed two children, Paul and Karen. The family later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for

Vernon's job at Radio, Inc. He coached Paul and Karen's little league teams and was loved by the

players he coached. He was remembered as a good and fair coach who cared about his players.

Fannye Jean passed away June 28, 1972, at the age of 36. Vernon continued working for Radio,

Inc., where he later met Claudia. The two began dating and were married on September 12,

1975.

Together, Vernon and Claudia built a large and loving family, bringing together Paul and Karen

with Claudia's children, James, Michael, Shawn, Walter, and Patricia, and later choosing to add

Terra and Jonathan. Family was always at the heart of Vernon's life.

Vernon and Claudia enjoyed traveling together. They took many trips to upstate New York,

Canada, and Branson, creating cherished memories along the way that they shared with their

children and grandchildren.

Vernon was a self-taught handyman who could build, repair, or figure out how to fix almost

anything. There was very little he wouldn't attempt, and he took pride in using his hands and his

skills to help those around him. But although he was talented at fixing things, his greatest love

was his family. He cherished the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended

family.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Erna Lange Melchior; his first wife,

Fannye Jean Melchior; his daughter, Patricia, and his daughter-in-law, Cheyenne Peterson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite Claudia Alley; his children, Paul (Lisa) Melchior,

Karen Smith, James (Amy) Alley, Michael Alley, Shawn (Vickie) Alley, Walter (Crystal) Alley,

Terra (Raymond) Conde, and Jonathan (Kari) Alley-Melchior; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-

grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Vernon's life was defined by family, faithfulness, hard work, generosity, and love. He leaves

behind a large family who will carry his memory forward and treasure the many lessons, stories,

and memories he gave them throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly

remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.