Norman "Doug" Douglass Melvin

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Norman Douglass “Doug” Melvin, age 86, of Albuquerque, NM died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 23, 2020.

Doug was born in Philadelphia, PA and attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1955. Later that year, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, thus beginning a 20-year career of service with the Corps of Engineers. Doug’s military career included assignments from coast to coast in the United States and multiple overseas tours.  The overseas tours of duty included Germany, Viet Nam, Thailand, Columbia and Panama. His children were born in Germany and the family followed him from base to base, even on the overseas tours, with the exception of Viet Nam.

Upon retiring from the Army Corps of Engineers, Doug and family settled in Albuquerque where for several years he continued his Engineering career as a Consultant in support of large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia and Alaska. When he finally came off the road and retired in earnest, he volunteered for many years at St. Martin’s Hospitality Center - an Albuquerque homeless shelter. He also volunteered with the Albuquerque Police Department.

Doug is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou; a son, Michael Norman; and a sister, Lynne. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Catherine Ann, and an infant son, Michael Douglas.  He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Andrew Douglas, Sarah Anne, Jonathan Matthew and Daniel Joseph; and one great-grandchild, Daniel. All four grandchildren had been active in his life in recent years as they started careers or families of their own.

Doug was a man of few words whose background in forestry resulted in a lifelong appreciation of trees, birds and other wildlife inhabiting his backyard oasis or anywhere there was a walking trail. He was well read, and when he did talk, he could converse with friends, family or kings without loss of the common touch. He struggled with some aspects of life but overcame these challenges to become a dedicated husband, a loving father and a lovable grandfather. His strength and presence will be missed.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Christ the King Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ the King Anglican Church, 529 Jefferson St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 or to the charity of your choice.