Morelle "Mel" Edward Larouche

Morelle (Mel) Larouche, 82, of Fort Walton Beach passed away at home on Friday, January 24th, 2020. Mel was born October 25th, 1937 in Milo, Maine. He had resided in Floirda since 1972. He served 23 years in the Air Force, retired as a MSgt. The next 15 years were at Troy State University, he taught, and was the business manager Florida Region. He was Catholic by faith. Special military career highlights include: participating in breaking the world’s record for the longest non-stop flight by a turpo-prop aircraft from Ching Chong Kuan Air Base, Tawain to Scott AFB, IL, distance of 8,590.5 statue miles without refueling, and in 1969 while in the 57th Aerospace Rescue Squadron provided support in rescuing a Royal Navy Ret. Lt. Commander from the ocean; in a three day international successful effort aimed at saving the life of a 13 year old cabin boy aboard the ship St. John Colocontronis of Athens, Greece. Mel was named Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter at Lajes Field, Azores and was in the top 15% of Air Force Rescue Flight Engineer.  Mel graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with AAS, St. Leo College with an AA and Troy State University with a BS and MS.

Mel was an avid golfer.

Mel was a lifetime member of BPOE Elks lodge 1795 and served as an Exalted Ruler from 1991-1992; VFW post 7674; DAV Post 112; Sampson AFB Veterans Association; Thomas Rogers Society; Pilgrim Hopkins Heritage Society; and a member of the American Legion Post 235; General Society of Mayflower Descendants-Doty Colony; and Troy State University Alumni- Emerald Coast Chapter.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents; Maurice and Edna Larouche; his spouses Ruth (Hague) Larouche and Virginia (Wheeler) Larouche; and son-in-law Paul Cram.

He is survived by his sister Sherrill Larouche; and his children Joan Ellis (Dwight); Patti Cram; Cathy Murphy (Darren); Chuck Larouche (Robin); Jim Larouche (Heather); step children Karen Kortier, Sharon Holden; and Linda Carrow; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and extended families, and his delightful dog companion Dixie.

Visitation and Memorial Service will both be held at Davis Watkins Funeral Home on Racetrack Rd, with visitation on Thursday, January 30th from 5-7pm and a memorial service on Friday, January 31st at 11am. Burial following at Beal Memorial Cemetery, Beal Pkwy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

BPOE Florida-Harry Anna Trust

P.O. Box 49

Umatilla, Fl. 32784