Melbourne L. Fletchall (Lebanon)'s Obituary
On April 2, 1939, Lester Raymond and Esta Fern (Thrasher) Fletchall of Worth, Missouri, welcomed a son, Melbourne Lee. He was soon joined by a younger sister, Norma Kay. He passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Lebanon North Nursing and Rehab in Lebanon, Missouri.
Growing up, Melbourne attended a one-room schoolhouse and often rode a horse to class. His distaste for equine travel led to a preference for things with engines and wheels, a passion that would stay with him throughout his life.
Melbourne was fortunate that his sister’s friend, Carolyn Joyce Long, quickly became the love of his life—a feeling that was mutual. During high school, Melbourne, along with friends Eddie Long (Carolyn’s brother) and Carol Pickering, owned a car they raced at tracks around Worth County and Iowa. Their racing adventures were full of camaraderie and mischief.
Melbourne graduated high school in 1957 and worked briefly in Kansas City before returning to Worth County and tying the knot with Carolyn on February 28, 1960. He joined the Army in 1961 and served at the launching area of the Nike missile site in Lone Jack, Missouri. After discharge from the Army, Melbourne and Carolyn operated a service station in Worth for five years where he used that knack for fixing machines. Following the closure of their service station, Melbourne dedicated himself to several hard-working roles. He worked with his uncle, Bill Thrasher, building houses, drove a school bus and managed bus barns in Grant City and Albany, and especially enjoyed operating a bulldozer for Dale Knight. Eventually, Melbourne worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), where he spent 20 years, retiring in 2003.
Melbourne and Carolyn had three daughters, Michelle Lee, Trisa Ann, and Holly Lynn, which meant more people leaving the lights on when they left the room, but the girls swear they have always known money doesn’t grow on trees. Melbourne loved to take his girls on vacations, as long as he could drive there, heading home when the budget was spent.
In his free time, he loved tinkering and ended up making a lot of “big kid” toys with engines. He enjoyed music his entire life, playing trombone, piano, and banjo, and shared that love with his daughters. He was skilled at repairing and trading guns and would have been a successful bank robber with his safe-cracking skills if he hadn’t been an honest man. His playful nature kept people on their toes, but the twinkle in his eye when he was telling a joke could be spotted by those who knew him well.
A few years after Melbourne retired from MoDOT, he and Carolyn moved to Lebanon, Missouri, where they quickly gained many friends among neighbors and their church community. However, they still traveled regularly to Worth County to visit lifelong friends and family, attending high school reunions and community events even while Melbourne carefully tended his significantly downsized nine acres.
An accident in March led to health complications which ultimately saw his decline. However, he never lost his ability to win at checkers or arm wrestling. Melbourne’s caring nature, sense of humor, puzzle-solving skills, and mischievous grin will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years (together 70!), Carolyn Joyce (Long) Fletchall; his daughters Michelle (John) Lubeski, Trisa (Colin) May, and Holly Young; sister-in-law Peggy Long; nieces and nephew, Deanna (Chris) Shireman, Tina Long, Todd (Tracy) Long, and Tara (Mark) Mikesell. He leaves behind a number of extended family members and many close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Esta (Thrasher) Fletchall; his sister, Norma Maudlin; his brother-in-law and friend, Edward Long; his nephew Jeffrey Dean Maudlin, and so many other family members he held dear.
Services for Melbourne Fletchall will be private.
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