Melvyn W. Jeter

  Melvyn William Jeter, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Born on March 19, 1942, in Clovis, New Mexico, to W.L. “Bill” and Evelyn (Henry) Jeter, Melvyn graduated from high school in Wichita Falls, Texas, before attending Midwestern State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He went on to receive a Master’s degree from the University of North Texas and later obtained his PhD in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University. 

  Melvyn began his teaching career as a professor at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, later joining The University of Southern Mississippi. In March 2020, he retired from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, concluding a distinguished academic career. 

  Melvyn was preceded in death by his father, W.L. Jeter; mother, Evelyn Jeter; and granddaughter, Sydnee Jeter. 

  Melvyn is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jerrie Lou Jeter of Weatherford, Texas; and four children: Stephanie Paige Potts and husband, Michael of Hillsboro, Oregon; Jeffery William Jeter and wife, Pamela of Fate, Texas; Gerald Whitten Jeter and wife, Karen of Cody, Wyoming; and Jamie Henry Jeter and wife, Teri of Wapella, Illinois. 

  Also left to carry on his legacy are six grandchildren: Mikhaila Watkis and husband, Kirk; and Zachary Potts, all of Hillsboro, Oregon; Jason Henry Jeter of Wapella, Illinois; Paige Erin Jeter and partner, Luis Giraldo, of Clinton, Illinois; Alyssa Campbell and husband, Ben of Cody, Wyoming; and Derreck Jeter of Washington D.C.; and five great-grandchildren: Madelyn Giraldo; Evelyn Giraldo; Ruth Watkis; Walter Watkis; and Luellen Watkis. 

  A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel, in Willow Park, Texas, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Annetta Cemetery, in Annetta, Texas.