Lieutenant Commander Alphons Richard Melis III
Lieutenant Commander Alphons Richard Melis III, 73, passed away in League City, TX on March 22, 2017. He was born on June 20, 1943 in Colusa, CA to Alphons Richard Melis Jr and Arvella Kubin Melis. Al is survived by his: wife, Nancy Luckenbill Melis; daughter, Jennifer Melis-Odun; sons, Doug Melis and Sean Melis of Houston, TX; sister, Shirley Melis Hirsch and her husband, Frank Hirsch of Galisteo, New Mexico; seven grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lorie and her husband Greg Billingham of Charleston, South Carolina; brother-in-law, David Luckenbill and his wife, Lisa of Los Angeles, California; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Arvella and “Dick” Melis, his wife’s parents, Birke and Dixie Luckenbill, and his sister-in-law, Janice Kay Luckenbill.
As he graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy in 1966, his nation called and he answered. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the bronze star. He served in the USCG for twenty years during which time he earned his MBA from George Washington University. Al joined Merrill Lynch as an investment advisor where he worked for fifteen years.
He had a true passion when it came to the free markets and considered his time at Merrill “exceptional”. In 2001 Al retired and though he travelled extensively, his favorite excursion was escorting his parents to the “Pioneer Meetings” in Mist, Oregon. He loved his many pets and was a talented story teller.
He and Nancy are forever grateful to Sam and so many of those who cared for him at “The Cottages” as well as the nurses and doctors at Methodist St. John Hospital.
An” Evening of Remembrance” will be held on Thursday, March 30th from six to eight pm at the Crowder Funeral Home, Webster, TX. 77598. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nancy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers as you deal with this difficult time and should you need anything please do not hesitate to let us know. We are just a phone call away right below you in 15W. We wish you God’s comfort.
Sincerely,
Don and Brenda Patrick
So sorry to hear about the departure of our dear neighbor Mr. Richard Melis III. The Endeavour Lost a great man. May he rest in peace, and may God give his family comfort and acceptance to His will.
Hoda Tawadrous (7E)
Dear Nancy and all of Alphons’ family,
I have no adequate words to express my sadness over Al’s loss. May each of you do as well as you can as you experience this most difficult time. Peace, Stephen A. Kull, Class of ’66 classmate and friend
Nancy,
I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember the recent visit Bob Byrd and I had with you and Al to present the CGA Class of ’66 Fifty Year Medallion to Al. When we told the caregivers at the care facility about Al’s USCG career and service in Vietnam I am sure that Al appreciated the “Thank You for Your Service” wishes from the caregivers.
Sincerely, Phil
Fair winds and following seas, old friend. Hand salute!
Nancy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sorrowful time of loss. But we salute Al, your husband and father, for an honorable life, well-lived and send him to his eternal reward for faithful service to his family and his country.
The USCGA Class of 1966 stands with you.
Nancy and the Melis family — Al was a friend and Classmate. I remember and always appreciated his steadfastness and calm confidence. I will remember him fondly. I mourn our loss.
Words offer little comfort at such a difficult time but please know many are thinking of you and praying for you. Al was a classmate and friend. May God bless you all and bring you peace.
Semper Paratus
Bob Philpott ’66
To Nancy and Al’s friends and family, Carole and I are so sorry for the loss we have all suffered. Al was a classmate and a dear friend-we will all miss him. I have wonderful memories of him as a cadet and officer to provide comfort. I wish each of you peace and comfort as you deal with your loss.
Dear Nancy,
Shelley let me know about Al’s passing, and we are so sorry for your loss. You two made a great team, and I learned a lot from you. Please know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
With love, Donna and Jerry Lyons
As a member of the US Coast Guard Academy Class of 1966, and a company and platoon member with Al, I’ve always remembered his ready smile, good humor and friendship. I hadn’t seen Al for over 50 years, but you never forget true friends and family. And Academy Classmates are always “family”. My condolences to all Al’s family for “our” loss.
Ray Beyler, Class of ’66.
Dear Nancy,
My heart goes out to you at this sorrowful time!!! If there is anything we can help
You with ? , don’t hesitate to call us …
One of my favorite memories of you , Al and your sweet Mom,were in your home Al, played The most Awesome Santa for your neighborhood!!! It was a perfect Rockwell Moment with the 3 of you !!!! You were a very great couple and always so kind …. and always Happy!!
I am forever greatfull to have known such A Great man, and see his love for you ,his Best Friend , Wife and Partner!!
We have you in our heart and prayers for this time of healing ….
Blessings ,
.
Sandy Lewis
Al was my cousin, and tho I only saw him twice that I know of, once as he boarded the USCG cutter in Seattle, I’ve always remembered him. We share much of the same family heritage, the Pioneer meetings in Mist, and even the same name…
‘AL’.
Prayers to the other family members.