Mel Muskopf died October 4, 2024. He was 91 years of age. Although he was born and lived almost 70 years in St. Louis, he considered Mexico (Audrain County) his home.
Raised in south St. Louis, Mel attended Southwest High School. He received his degree in business administration at Washington University. He married the late Barbara (Bobbie) Simmons after graduation and was drafted into the Army and served in Korea. After his discharge, he worked for several organizations in his specialty of advertising and public relations. Most of his career was with the American Red Cross where he achieved the position of director of public relations. He also spent some time operating his own PR company and working with Bobbie in commercial real estate management.
He always claimed that the best thing a man can do is marry well and he did very well. Although he knew Bobbie in high school, they began dating while both were at Washington University. When their relationship became serious, she completed her degree in only three years so that she could begin earning money for their coming marriage. She continued this effort for the 51 years they were together.
They both believed in becoming involved with their adopted community of Mexico which came about when Bobbie fell in love with the A.P. Green home. Mel continued to live there for a year after her death in 2006. He served on the Audrain Medical Center's auxiliary, Presser Performing Arts Board, the City Parks Board, the Audrain Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary and was a proud member of the late Mexico Manure Inn Breakfast Group.
A lifelong interest in reading, photography, cars, music, firearms and Boxer dogs helped dispose of disposable income. Mel tried to find humor in most situations, not always appreciated by others. He often said that folks only tolerated him for comic relief. Unlike James Stewart in the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life,” he felt his only lasting accomplishment was having a minor role in creating his daughter Suzi and his son Walt, both of Columbia.
Mel is preceded in death by his wife and sister Beth Weinhold. He is survived by his daughter Suzi, son Walt and grandchildren Sydney and Sophie and Troy.
