Melvin Korchenko

His record reflects a lifetime of disciplined service—first to his country for 26 years, and then to the Craft for another 40. It is particularly impressive that he served as Worshipful Master of Shallowater Lodge at the age of 80, and served as a District Instructor into his early 80s. Past Master Biography: Melvin A. Korchenko (1920 – 2005) Past Master: Lubbock Lodge No. 1392 (1986–1987) Past Master: Shallowater Lodge No. 1279 (2000–2001) District Deputy Grand Master: District 93-A Purple Heart Recipient I. Life & Career Early Life & Family Melvin A. Korchenko was born on February 6, 1920, in Plaza, North Dakota. He married Frances Malone on December 5, 1942, in Medford, Oregon. They moved to the Lubbock area from Big Spring in 1965, settling in Shallowater in 1967. He was preceded in death by his wife and survived by his children Sandy, Susan, and Dan, along with many grandchildren. Military Service Brother Korchenko had a distinguished 26-year career in the United States Army, serving during World War II. For his service and sacrifices in defense of his country, he was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Professional Life Following his military retirement, he continued his public service as a civilian employee at Reese Air Force Base, working in the Civil Service until his second retirement in 1979. II. Masonic Journey Degree Work Initiated (EA): August 30, 1965 — Lubbock No. 1392 Passed (FC): September 27, 1965 — Lubbock No. 1392 Raised (MM): November 1, 1965 — Lubbock No. 1392 Memberships & Affiliations Lubbock Lodge No. 1392: Endowed Member (Dec 23, 1996). Shallowater Lodge No. 1279: Plural Member; Endowed Member (June 23, 1999). Mackenzie Lodge No. 1327: Plural/Endowed Member (Consolidated 2004). III. Service Record & Offices Held Brother Korchenko was a highly proficient Mason who served the Craft well into his golden years. He served as Worshipful Master of Lubbock Lodge in the mid-80s, and remarkably returned to the East to lead Shallowater Lodge at the age of 80. Grand Lodge of Texas Service District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM): District 93-A (1995–1996) District Instructor (DI): District 93-B (2002–2003) Lodge Leadership Lubbock Lodge No. 1392: Worshipful Master: 1986–1987 Senior Warden: 1985–1986 Senior Deacon: 1984–1985 Tiler: 1987–1988 Junior Deacon: 1967–1968 Shallowater Lodge No. 1279: Worshipful Master: 2000–2001 Esoteric Certifications Class A Certificates: Held continuously from 1985 through 2005, demonstrating two decades of verified proficiency in the work. IV. In Memoriam Brother Melvin A. Korchenko laid down his working tools on June 24, 2005, at the age of 85. Services: Graveside services were held at Mt. Olive Memorial Park (Big Spring area), officiated by Mitch Wilson. Arrangements: Myers & Smith Funeral Home.