1924 – 2015

FARMINGTON — Arthur Paul Melcher, 90, of Wilton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 15, at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center, with family at his side.

He was born on Aug. 14, 1924, on the family farm in Wilton, a son of Arthur Roland and Elfie Faye (Nichols) Melcher. He received his education in Wilton schools. He was a blacksmith and worked for the town of Wilton, helping to build Walker Hill Road.

A U.S. Army veteran, he remained true to his promise during the war: “If I make it home, I’ll never leave the farm.” And so he returned in 1946, to marry his grammar school sweetheart, Laura Williams, on Nov. 24, 1946, and together, they enjoyed life on the Melcher Family Farm in Wilton and celebrated 68 years of marriage.

He sold milk to Agrimark and Hood, was well-known for his gardening abilities and was a disciplined caretaker of his passion — the farm. Never once did he miss a day of work.

Children of all ages, related by blood or not, often called him “Uncle Paul.” The oval-shaped table in the middle of the kitchen was a welcoming gathering spot for all. Many folks have been comforted by home-cooked meals, sweets, his infamous peanut butter fudge and heartfelt conversations.

He is loved by his wife of 68 years, Laura, of Wilton; their children, Susann Melcher of Wilton and Larry Melcher and his wife, Mary of Jay and their sons, Nicholas “Nick” Melcher and his wife, Krista, of Jay and their baby boy, Tanner Paul Melcher, and Gregory “Greg” Melcher of Old Town; his sister, Eleanor “Enzy” Cushman, of Ohio, and her children, Gary Cushman, Bonnie Jones and Brenda Bradstreet; his special in-laws, Raymond and Dot (Williams) Wiers of East Wilton and their boys, Ronnie, Randy and Ricky, and Deanne Williams and her children, Julie Welch and Peter Williams; a cousin (who thought of him like a brother), Orene Berg, of Massachusetts, and her children, Gary Berg, Stevie Berg and Tammy Coe; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Harold Williams; and a nephew, Terry Williams.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.