Mel Howard Kohn

Melvin “Mel” Howard Kohn, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the age of 91. Mel was born on February 18, 1932 in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois to Richard Kohn and Lillian Rose Keren. Mel loved to live life to the fullest. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He married the love of his life, Helen Kohn, on April 17, 1982 and they began raising their families together. With his Air Force service, it’s no wonder why he began taking interest in model airplanes. He made several throughout his life that he would eventually gift to his grandkids. He loved flying and had an interest in astronomy. Mel enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing. Helen even took up a love of fishing. They would get into competitions – in which Helen usually won – sometimes she had to cross his line though… He really loved spending six summers hosting the campgrounds in Colorado. That is where many wonderful family memories were made. When Mel wasn’t fishing, golfing, or camping, he could usually be found in his shop full of toys – his woodworking shop. He loved working in that shop building things. As he got older and realized he couldn’t use his hands like he used to, he decided to sell everything in his shop. Mel then focused on all of the other important things in life, like spending time with his wife, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was the most loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who is truly missed.

Mel is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Helen Kohn; his children, Rick (Patty) Kohn, Ray (Cathy) Kohn, Michael (Robin) Kohn, Anita Pankalla, Julia (Buddy) Harris, Dr. Suzanne (Dr. Ed) Wang, and Christina (Brian) Peterson; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; along with many additional extended family members and friends.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Kohn and Lillian Rose Keren; brother, Jay Kohl; and son-in-law, Paul Pankalla.

We will hold a visitation for Mel from 4-6pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023 with a graveside funeral service to follow at 11am on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Resthaven Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mel’s name can be directed to the Norman Veteran’s Center at 1776 E Robinson St, Norman, OK 73071, or Good Shepherd Hospice at 1370 N Interstate Dr # 160, Norman, OK 73072

Arrangements are under the direction of Moore Funeral and Cremation.

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