Steve Melchi

[Charlie Steichen]

I just received word that Steve passed away yesterday, Dec 25, after a lengthy illness. Steve was a great friend and supporter of the Ozark Steel Guitar Association and always was willing to help anyone who asked. He will be missed greatly. Our condolences go to Debbie and his family.

[Doug Earnest]

God bless Debbie. She is an angel the way she took care of Steve.

[Larry Baker]

Wow, this is really unexpected. I knew Steve had some health problems, but didn't know how serious it was. He will be greatly missed. He encouraged a lot with steel questions. A great friend, We will be praying for his family.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I met Steve when he was in the region playing the jamborees and such. He performed at the local steel club too.

Condolences to the family. RIP Steve.

[Terry Wood]

Sorry to hear this! I knew Steve wasn't doing good. This is so sad. Debbie has been helping take care of him for some time. Steve was a decorated Vietnam Vet. He loved the Steel Guitar and was Jeannie Kendall's Steel Guitarist for many years. She was like a sister to him. Steve played several of my Steel Guitar Shows. He and I and my son Zane had a lot of laughs. Prayers for his Family and many Friends! RIP my Friend!

[Larry Dering]

Oh no. Wow, that is terrible news. Steve was a regular at the shows and a good soul. Sad to hear of his passing. God speed Steve and bless his family and friends.

[Jason Stillwell]

So sorry to hear about Steve. I met him the year the Oklahoma show was held in Ada. He was Terry Bethel's "chauffeur" for that trip, and I think he kept me laughing the whole weekend.

[Ed Javner]

Steve: One of the good guys. I sat next to him a few times at the "Jams" in Branson, when it came to his turn, he would ask me if I could play this song or that, to make it easer for me to keep up. (to no avail) Rest in peace Steve, God bless.

[Keith Hilton]

I need to mention that Steve was a Veteran---A U.S. Marine. Steve and I had a special bond, as I was also a Marine in the Vietnam War. Steve was a kind gentle person. You will not be forgotten. Always faithful my friend.

[Keith Hilton]

I need to mention that Steve was a Veteran---A U.S. Marine. Steve and I had a special bond, as I was also a Marine in the Vietnam War. Steve was a kind gentle person. You will not be forgotten. Always faithful my friend.

[Paul King]

I sure hate to hear Steve has passed on. I know he loved steel guitar and was a kind gentleman.

[Larry Hamilton]

Ah dang, I sat next to him when I played the Branson Jam, Jam session. I thought he was a really nice guy.

[Ted Emmons]

My heart is broken over hearing about Steve. We were in the band with Jeannie Kendall together and shared some good times and bad times. As Keith Hilton said I was also a Marine during Vietnam so we shared a special bond. Semper fi old friend.

[Jim Fogle]

My condolences to Connie, as well Steve's other family members and friends.

[Jeff Harbour]

This is the most difficult post I've ever had to make here. It's taken me several days to bring myself to do it. Steve was a long time family friend, and a very important figure in my personal history... the first person that I ever saw play a steel guitar. Steve and my dad played together professionally as full-time musicians for several years. When our families would get together, my brother and me would play in the yard with Steve's sons. At a very early age, maybe age 3 or 4, I knew exactly what a steel guitar was by sight and sound, and have for my entire life since. That is maybe the biggest reason why I started playing steel myself.

I'm very thankful for getting to see him play all those early years, and even more thankful for getting to meet up with him again years later as a fellow steel player. Rest in peace old buddy, you truly were a one-of-a-kind.

[Mickey Adams]