Robert L. “Louie” Melching Sr., 80, of Red Bud, died May 15, 2014 in Inverness, Fla.

He was born April 27, 1934 in Burksville, son of the late William and Amanda (nee Lang) Melching.

He married Irene Katherine Farago on Feb. 16, 1955 in Waterloo.

He had owned and operated Louie’s Auto Repair in Red Bud for 58 years.

He was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Red Bud, where he had also been a council member.

Surviving are his wife Irene Melching of Red Bud; children Linda (Rick) Michael of Aztec, New Mexico, Robert (Michael Gillespie) Melching Jr. of Clermont, Fla., Bryon (Janey) Melching of Waterloo, Bruce Melching of Waco, Texas, Laura (Gary) Shemonia of Maeystown; grandchildren Kara (Matt) Miller of Burksville Heights, Louie Michael of Chandler, Ariz. and Kendra Byrd (fiancé Nick Utz) of Red Bud; and great-grandchildren Gage, Phebe, Brody and Kelsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Roger Melching and older brother Bill Melching.

Visitation took place May 20-21 at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Red Bud.

Funeral services took place May 21 at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ.