Walter R. Melcher III, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Carlinville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. He was born May 3, 1955, in Springfield, to Walter R. Melcher, Jr. and Enda Gust Melcher. He married Lana Fickas on October 18, 1976, and she preceded him in death on April 30, 2009. He then found companionship and married Sharon Lynn VanDeMaele on July 14, 2013, and she survives.

 Also surviving are two daughters, Stacy Chastain of St. Louis, MO and Melissa (Anthony) O’Neal of Girard; two step-sons, Christopher (Sara) Strohbeck of Springfield and Carl (Allyson) Strohbeck of St. Louis, MO; five grandchildren, Kailey, Shelby, Bristyll, Zach and Levi; three great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (David) Fickas and brother, Kevin (Barb) Melcher.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lana and two brothers, Ron and Rick Melcher.

 Walter was a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1973. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond. He worked in logistics truck driving for various businesses and companies for many years. He was a US Army Veteran, serving with the 82nd Airborne.

 Walter loved family gatherings and enjoyed cooking for everyone.

 Family Hosted Memorial Gathering: 10:00 – 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond, IL.

 Family Hosted Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond, IL, with Pastor Dave Ziegenbein officiating.

 Graveside Service: 2:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

 

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