Clifford Delos Melchert

Graveside services for Clifford Melchert will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Clifford Melchert,87, of Gillette, WY passed away at his home on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Cliff was born on Aug.8, 1937, in Chamberlain, SD, where he attended grade school. On March 2, 1956, Cliff joined the United States Navy where his onboard duties were to load and fire torpedoes. He served proudly for 3 years. After returning home, Cliff worked for the Glen and Pete Olson farm near Academy, SD. He also worked for Pepsi Cola in Chamberlain, SD and Grimshaw Well Drilling. On December 9, 1969 he married the love of his life Betty Jo Varland and made their home in Gillette, WY. Cliff spent 30-plus years working in the oil fields in Wyoming. Cliff was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. Cliff had a passion for fast cars. His biggest treasure was a one-of-a-kind custom painted pickup. Cliff and Betty Jo enjoyed boating with friends and traveling to South Dakota to visit family. Grateful for sharing his life: brother Dennis (Nancy) Hoffer, nephews Dana (Vi) Hoffer, Lanny Hoffer, Daren (Kristen) Hoffer, Brandon (Tori) Hoffer, Mike (Becky) Harris; great nieces Chenoa, Skyla, and Remi; great nephews Deion and Gunnar; great-great-nieces Cora; and special friends Rance Bishop and Charlie Gearhart. Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jo of 55 years, his parents Alberta and Leo Hoffer, his sister Marlys Hoffer, and his special four-legged friends.