Melvin Walter Ockert

Melvin Walter Ockert, 83, of Mesa, Ariz. formerly of Auxvasse, died Saturday November 3, 2012, in Mesa, Ariz. Melvin was born on July 26, 1929 in El Centro, Imperial County, California the son of Walter Irving and Ruth Eleanore (Cochran). Melvin served his country in Japan during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army. On September 13, 1953 in Reno, Nev. he married Florence B. Darlington, she preceded him in death on February 1, 2008. Along with his wife Florence, Melvin was preceded in death by: his parents; a son, Carl Hiram Ramay, Jr.; and a daughter, Anita Sue Ockert. Melvin is survived by: daughter, Birdine Miller (Stephen) of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Julianna Chilton (Keith) of Mesa, Ariz.; son, Walter Ockert (Valerie) of Joplin; grandchildren, Bertina Titus, Douglas, John, Christina, and Eric Ockert, Charles, Sarah, and Thomas Chilton; great-grandchildren, Leanna Knight, Tehya, Desirae, Eliah, Asher, and Traeton Titus; great-great-grandchildren, Kareem, Thurogood, and Tavaiyal Knight. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Brendan Catholic Church with burial to follow at Auxvasse Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Brendan Catholic Church in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265. Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com