Jerald Robert Melum, 89, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He has been cremated and will be interred at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield, South Dakota.

Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield is assisting Jerald’s family with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Jerald was born on January 27, 1937, in Huron, South Dakota, to Donald Briggs Melum and Donna (Kiel) Melum. After a short time, the family moved to Waseca, Minnesota. When World War II began, they relocated to Duluth, Minnesota, where Don worked as a welder in a shipyard. Shortly thereafter, Jerry's sister, Carole, was born.

The family later moved to a farm near Redfield, South Dakota, where they lived on Jerry's uncle's farm. Jerry and Carole spent a year riding his scooter to a one-room country schoolhouse. In 1950, Jerry’s brother, Mike, was born, and they soon moved into town. Don opened a Pool Hall where Jerry developed his skills and passion for the game. He later went on to win the Minnesota State Pocket Billiards Championship three years in a row.

As a teenager, studying his school lessons was not as important as driving to the neighboring town of Aberdeen, where he and his friends went roller skating at a local rink.

After graduating from Redfield High School, Jerry joined the United States Air Force. In 1956, he attended basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, and was later stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Springs, Texas, where he worked as an air traffic controller. He married Barbara Rasco and had two children, Regena and Rebecca, the latter of whom preceded him in death.

Following his military service, Jerry’s experience led him to a career with the Federal Aviation Administration in Minneapolis. He became a high-altitude aircraft controller at the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Farmington, Minnesota.

In 1963, he married Helen Wold, and they had two children, Kristen and Greg, the latter of whom preceded him in death. In 1988, he married Judith Jackson, to whom he was widowed in 2020.

Jerry lived a full and vibrant life, with a love of friendly competition and many cherished friendships. He leaves behind numerous relatives and friends who will remember him with affection and gratitude for the many years they shared over the course of his 89 years.