Harry "Red" Melcher
Harry ("Red") Melcher was born on December 11, 1909, in Portland, Oregon. His parents were George Melcher (1879 - 1953) and Mary Catherine (Reifschneider) Melcher (1880 - 1961). The Melchers emigrated from Brunnental, Russia, and arrived in New York on August 17, 1907, on the steamship "Korea."
Melcher was a standout softball player who played on the 1935 Rotary Bread team, which won the Portland and Oregon State championships. Melcher was elected to the Portland Softball Hall of Fame for his long-standing interest and involvement in the sport. He assisted and coached Little League baseball teams for many years.
Melcher worked with his father at Dornbecher Furniture Manufacturing in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Melcher enlisted in the U.S. military during World War II. He served with the 41st Infantry Division in New Guinea and received the Purple Heart.
After the war, Harry worked for many years at Portland Public Schools.
Harry Melcher died on February 27, 1963, and is buried at the Rose City Cemetery in Portland.
Melcher was a standout softball player who played on the 1935 Rotary Bread team, which won the Portland and Oregon State championships. Melcher was elected to the Portland Softball Hall of Fame for his long-standing interest and involvement in the sport. He assisted and coached Little League baseball teams for many years.
Melcher worked with his father at Dornbecher Furniture Manufacturing in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Melcher enlisted in the U.S. military during World War II. He served with the 41st Infantry Division in New Guinea and received the Purple Heart.
After the war, Harry worked for many years at Portland Public Schools.
Harry Melcher died on February 27, 1963, and is buried at the Rose City Cemetery in Portland.
Harry Melcher in uniform. Photograph courtesy of Sherrie Stahl.
Sources
Ray Koch
Obituary: Softball Star Dies. The Oregon Daily Journal, Friday, March 1, 1962, Page 4.
Sherrie Gettman Stahl
Obituary: Softball Star Dies. The Oregon Daily Journal, Friday, March 1, 1962, Page 4.
Sherrie Gettman Stahl
Last updated December 8, 2025