Carl Joseph Melnick

Carl Joseph Melnick Jr., 90, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022. He was born on July 25, 1932, in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Sr. and Vera Melnick of Elmhurst, New York, and his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Carlo Rana of Butler, New Jersey.

Carl was in the Air Force for 28+ years, starting out as a "slick sleeved" private. After seven years he was selected for Officer Candidate School and received his B.S. in Business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha through the "bootstrap" program. His military career took him all over the world-Germany (twice), California, Canada, Colorado, Florida, New York, New Mexico, Vietnam and the Pentagon, where two important events occurred. He received his M.S. in Systems Management there from the University of Southern California. However, more importantly, he was a Lt. Colonel by now operating/staffing Colonel Assignments all over the world and needed a secretary. He came up to the fifth floor of the Pentagon and spoke with Kathryn, who staffed all secretaries for Headquarters Air Force. A strictly business transaction ensued. But!!!! A year later that secretary had quit and here came Carl again. What a difference a year makes! Another secretary was hired. Also, Kathryn and Carl had their first date on

March 9, 1975, were engaged April 22, 1975 and married December 30, 1975. The first four years of their married life were in Germany, then Carl retired. In his varied Air Force career, he received many accommodations, awards and medals.

Carl then went to work for the State of Oklahoma, first for the Department of Human Services (18 months) then for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, retiring as an Office Manager having run several offices in Tulsa plus scouting various real estate opportunities for the Director. After 22 years with the State, Carl decided it was time to retire. He said 50 years in government was enough.

While physically able Carl and Kathryn enjoyed traveling, especially cruising with friends. Afterwards, Carl enjoyed taking care of his birds, squirrels, koi fish and indoor cats.

Carl is survived by: his wife of 46 years, Kathryn, plus Lily, Timothy and Toby (loving cat companions) of the home; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Patty Padgett; "honorary" grandchildren, niece and nephew-in-law, Athena and Michael Todd (Amelia and Brooks); and nephew and niece-in-law, Jonathan and Hilary Padgett.

In remembrance of Carl, loving gifts may be made in his name to: Street Cats, the local ASPCA, the local Humane Society or Wounded Warrior Project.