Terry Lee Melahn

Terry Lee Melahn, age 72, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at Willard Walker Hospice in Fayetteville. He was born on January 15, 1947, in Elgin, Illinois, to Doug and Jolene (Zito) Melahn. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his niece, Kelly Forbes. Terry joined the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. He had a passion for sports and even played basketball while in the army. As a kid he played basketball, baseball, and football. Terry's grandmother taught him everything he knew about gardening and he went on to work for the University of Arkansas as their grounds keeper and he took great pride in his job. He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Melahn of the home; his four children, Charles Giertz and significant other Sherrie of Fayetteville, Stephanie Melahn and significant other Rick of Byron, Illinois, Darren Giertz and significant other Angela of Bentonville, Doug Melahn and wife Kimberly of Illinois, and Daniel Giertz of Winslow; his two sisters, Pam Jorgensen of Elgin, Illinois, and Evaughn Hackett of Wasco, Illinois; his two brothers, Steve Melahn and wife Jeanette, and Scott Melahn and wife Kathy, both of Illinios; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Moore's Chapel Funeral Home in Fayetteville. To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.