Mel W. Gerhold, 87, of Buffalo, WY passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Johnson County Healthcare Center in Buffalo. He was born May 14, 1928 in Baltimore, MD to Charles and Margaret (Becker) Gerhold.
He was raised in Baltimore and graduated from the Maryland Institute of Fine Arts. Mel joined the Navy during WW II and served on the Destroyer USS Laffey. He was later stationed in China and was recalled during the Korean War.
Mel married Doris A. Myers on September 14, 1952 in Maryland. In 1972, Mel and his family moved to Crawford, NE. He lived on Richardson ranch and later bought a ranch. After retirement, he and Doris moved to Buffalo, WY in 1997 to be closer to family.
He was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Kalif Shrine, Anchor Masonic Lodge #7 in Buffalo, VFW, American Legion, Western Artist of America, Museum of Fur Trade, and the Bradford Brinton Museum.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris on October 21, 2014; and brother, Carl. He is survived by his two sons, Kurt (Cindy) Gerhold of Sheridan, WY and Eric (Robin) Gerhold of Buffalo, WY; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo with Pastor Alena Lamirato officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 615 N. Burritt Ave., Buffalo, 82834, Johnson County Hospice, 497 W. Lott, Buffalo, 82834, or the Wyoming Soldier's and Sailor's Home, 798 Veterans Lane, Buffalo, 82834. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted with Champion Funeral Home.