Melvin (Mel) Keith Rethmeier, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, February 4, 2016.Mel was born March 22, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Martha and Walter Rethmeier. Growing up in Cincinnati, Mel attended Fairview Elementary and Hughes High School and later enrolled in the University of Cincinnati Liberal Arts Program, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters Degree in School Administration. Mel was a member of several fraternal professional organizations throughout his time in college. Following the completion of his degrees he enlisted in to the US Navy where he signed up to the non-commissioned officer program and then later commissioned as an officer in the US Navy. After completing his active duty military service in 1956, Mel returned to Cincinnati, Ohio where he spent time in a teaching roll.In 1957, Mel moved to Dallas, Texas where he began his career at Texas Instruments as a manufacturing supervisor, and became involved in international purchasing work. He remained there for 20+ years. Pursuing a new line of work, Mel had experiences in the airfreight business and became a purchasing agent for AMKOR Technology after several years. Mel then joined Hitatchi Industries where he became involved with the purchasing of semi-conductor parts. He remained until retiring in 1994.After a short retirement, Mel decided to pursue a second career with the Home Depot in Southlake, Texas, helping to open the store in April of 1995. There, Mel was known for his expertise in the garden department and continued to pursue his passion for organic gardening. It was after 15+ years and at the age of 83, that Mel retired from The Home Depot. Without a doubt, his job with The Home Depot was Mels favorite job throughout his life teaching and mentoring both employees and customers alike. Mel was passionate about many things in life including his family, organic gardening, travel, history, teaching, Christian education and painting.Mel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Rethmeier and his three daughters, Joyce Rethmeier of Grapevine, granddaughter Barbara Allen and great-granddaughter Addyson and granddaughter Emily, daughter Janet Blasingame and son-in-law Mike Blasingame, grandson Jay Blasingame and wife Megan, grandson Jeffery Blasingame and wife Ellie and great-grandson Jasper, grandson Jarrett and daughter Julie Smith and son-in-law Scott Smith, granddaughters Katie Thompson and husband Sam, granddaughter Rebecca and grandson Benjamin Smith, and son Mark Spoeneman and wife Mary and grandson Shaun.The Commitment Ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the DFW National Cemetery at 11:15 am. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church at 2:30 pm in the chapel.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the national VFW at vfw.org or to the Thomas Jeffersons Poplar Forest, P.O. Box 419, Forest, VA 24551 or online at poplarforest.org/support.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.