Dr. Fred Lee Melder, Sr., PharmD, 83, of Austin passed from this life on May 22, 2025. He was born October 22, 1941, in Port Arthur, Texas to the late Elbert and Evelyn (Marler) Melder. Fred graduated from Nederland High School in 1960, where he was an all-state running back. He went on to get his undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas where he continued to play football until his graduation in 1964. In 1967 Dr. Melder graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy. Dr. Melder will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He loved history, football, dancing and was a proud Republican. In addition to his parents Dr. Melder was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Ann Melder; siblings, Sue Prestridge, Frankie Melder and Rita Faye Carter.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Rita (Skinner) Melder; son, Lee Melder (Christy) of Cabot; step-children, Bud Gray of Perryville, and Melissa Abshure of Austin; grandchildren, Logan (Rachel) Melder, Carly (Easton) Freeman, Cooper Melder, Cody Hagar, Shine Hagar and Erica Stephens. Other survivors include great grandchildren, Tinleigh Hagar and Dorian Skinner; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Caroline Allen; along with a host of extend family and many dearly loved friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home from 10:00am until 12:00pm. A graveside service will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

Logan Melder, Cooper Melder, Easton Freeman, Bryson Weathers, Chet Staley and B.J. Weathers will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions can be made in Dr. Melder's name to The Country Chapel Outreach Program, 300 Hwy 31 N, Ward, Arkansas 72176.