Ted Melsheimer passed away peacefully at his ranch in Smoky Valley, NV on November 17th. Born in Huntington Park, CA, to Fred and Mary Melsheimer, he spent his growing up years in East Los Angeles. Ted graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo in 1959, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was immediately drafted into the Army where he was assigned to the development and evaluation of tracked armored vehicles. He traveled extensively from the Arctic cold to the Yuma, AZ heat in the development of the M-60 tank. In 1963, he married Sharon Tabbert in Montebello, CA. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Steve. In 1977, the family moved to Carson City and began Mustang Mfg. where he would manufacture the line of tools he designed for use in the natural gas industry. Ted always loved airplanes, especially WWII “Warbirds”. In 1989, he acquired a B-25 bomber “Tootsie” which he restored to its present day immaculate condition. Sharing the airplane with veterans and others at air shows and military events was his passion and even involved the opportunity to fly from the deck of the aircraft carrier “Carl Vinson” off the California coast. He was founding member of the Carson City Airport Authority, was a member of Kiwanis, served on numerous Boards, and was a member of the Cal Poly Engineering Advisory Board for many years. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon, daughter Susan (Jack) Yturiaga, Steve (Nicole) Melsheimer. Grandchildren, Lyndsey Ford (Dan), Justin, Stephanie, Nicholas, Elizabeth Watson (Shane): Brother, Richard Melsheimer (Patricia); sisters, Shirley (Robert) Foster and Marie (Larry) Coots. He is also survived by 9 nephews and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Though we know he lives in our hearts, Ted’s wisdom, compassion, and love will be sorely missed. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in his honor on Saturday, February 6th at 3:00pm at Tootsie’s hanger located at 2401 Lockheed Way, Carson City.
