Melfouse Thomas Corter passed away at his grandson’s home in Newalla, OK on October 21, 2021, at the age of 86.
Melfouse was born to Johnny Thomas and Rosa Ellen Carmichael Corter in Cushing, OK on January 31st, 1935. He was the fourth of seven children. He grew up in Tulare, CA and attended Enterprise School, West of Tulare. He graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1954. Melfouse was baptized into the
Melfouse was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn by Bro Eugene Carmichael at the age of 15, in an irrigation canal east of Tulare on June 25th, 1950. The Bible in his hands today was given to him by Bro Eugene at his baptism 70 years ago. He was united in marriage to
He was united in marriage to Nola Mae Clayton on September 1, 1956, in Oklahoma City by Bro Bob Tibbett. They made their home in Sacramento, CA where he was employed by the Sacramento City College as a custodian for 22 years. To this union was born 1 daughter, Rosemary Kay and 3 sons, Thomas Clayton, Timothy Allen and Charles Glen. They each graduated high school and attended college in Sacramento, CA.
Melfouse retired from the California State College as a custodian in 1984. He then returned with his family to Oklahoma to be near his fi rst grandchild, Mitchell, returning to work for Choctaw Nicoma Park Schools. At the age of 62, he retired for the last time.
On October 26th, 1994, Nola passed away and was buried at Parkland Cemetery. Melfouse spent many hours traveling among the brethren and found comfort in encouraging others. He took great pleasure in playing gospel songs on his harmonica and banjo.
He baptized his son Timothy and four of his grandchildren: Erin, Sarah, Eric and Kyle. His joy was in proclaiming the gospel to others.
On May 3rd, 2003, Melfouse was united in marriage to Virginia Herrmann and resided 2 miles west of Parkland on a small acreage. There they enjoyed hosting brethren, family and friends in their home, encouraging them to keep the faith. Melfouse especially enjoyed the young brethren coming and singing songs and talking on the scripture in his home. They also enjoyed traveling among the brethren. During the fi rst few years of marriage, they traveled to 14 diff erent bodies of brethren and were in over 250 brethren’s homes.
He also enjoyed raising cattle, even making pets of some of them. Growing fruit trees and gardening were some of his favorite past times, loving country life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Rosa Corter, his fi rst wife Nola Mae, his second wife Virginia, daughter Rosemary, 2 sons Thomas and Timothy Corter, 3 brothers, Everette, Marlin, and Harvey Corter and wife Geraldine, 2 sisters, Shirley and Zella with husband Edward Overacker.
He is survived by his son Charles and wife Tina of Midwest City, OK, sister Velma Huckabay of Brewster, WA, 8 Grandchildren, Mitchell Corter and wife Andrea, Eric Corter and wife Ashley, Kyle Corter and wife Karrey, Sarah and husband Tim Lau, Erin and husband Jake Gibson, Cari and husband Kevin Garvin, Shanda and husband Lance Manuel, Clayton Corter and wife Kacie. Nine great grandchildren, Trinity, Claire, Amariah, Donny, Brooklyn, Tyler, Abigail, Christopher and Gideon. Daughter-in-law Margaret and husband Tim Andren, daughter-in-law Sandra and husband Monte Moss, 5 stepchildren, Rodney Herrmann and wife Christina, Gary Roberts and wife Nancy, Christy Kessler and husband Shannon, Deborah Reeves and husband Mike, Randall Herrmann and wife Matilda and a host of friends and loved ones.
