Andy Melville

Andy Melville, a decorated fighter pilot and proud dad to four sons, died peacefully at the age of 88. He grew up in Fillmore, Utah, graduating from Millard High School in 1952. He attended the University of Utah, where he joined Air Force ROTC and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, Skull and Bones, and Owl and Key. He graduated in 1956, becoming a commissioned officer in the Air Force.

After earning his pilot wings, he was assigned to Ramstein AB, Germany. He flew fighter-intercept missions on the East-West German Border in the F-86 Sabre and explored Europe in style in his robin egg blue MGB roadster. In 1960, he met Joan Rambour from Columbus, Nebraska. They married in Basel, Switzerland and had two sons, Mark and Michael.

From 1966-1967, Andy was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay, Viet Nam. He flew 202 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom fighter jet and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 13 Air Medals.

His wife Joan passed away in 1979. In 1980, he met Mary Cole from Hackleburg, Alabama. They married in Washington D.C. and had two sons, Matthew and Andrew.

Colonel Andy Melville retired from the Air Force in 1986, with 30 years of service. He held many distinguished assignments including working at the headquarters for Allied Air Forces Southern Europe (NATO) in Naples Italy, serving as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Personnel at the Pentagon, and his final assignment, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Academy; which he always talked about with great pride and fondness.

After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Vermont to begin his second career at Norwich University, serving first as the Vice President of Finance, and later, as the Commandant of Cadets. He earned a Master's degree from Boston University and completed the Management Development Program at Harvard University. He retired a second and final time in 1995. His wife Mary passed away in 2009.

In 2011, Andy moved to Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona. He golfed every day and rarely missed happy hour. His favorite drink was a gin martini. In 2014, he was elected President of the Sun City Grand Singles Club, running unopposed.

Andy's confidence, kindness, resilience, and sense of humor is missed by all that knew him. He is forever loved.

Graveside services will take place in St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus, Nebraska.