GLANTZ, MELVIN N. (1916~2004) Melvin N. Glantz, Texas State Director of Selective Service, was born May 13, 1916, in Norman, Oklahoma to Edward and Louise Glantz. When he was three years old his parents moved to Nebraska, where he was raised on a farm and attended the public schools in Kearney. He graduated from the College of Agriculture of the University of Nebraska in l939, where he was an R.O.T.C. Cadet and was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserve upon graduation.
Following graduation, Colonel Glantz was employed by the Federal Land Bank of Omaha until entering active duty with the U.S. Army in December l940. His World War II Active Service lasted until February l946. During the War, he served two years in the European Theatre, including service with the Third Infantry Division. He took part in four major campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Legion of Merit Medal.
Following World War II, Colonel Glantz moved to Plainview, Texas, where he developed and operated an irrigated farm. During his several years in Hale County, he became quite active in community affairs. He was especially involved in organizing the South Plains Rural Telephone Cooperative which presently serves Lubbock and Hale Counties. Between l946 and l962, in addition to his farming, Colonel Glantz was at various times engaged in teaching vocational agriculture in the Veterans Agricultural School in Hale County and serving as manager of a grain elevator.
In November l962 the Colonel was called to active duty and assigned to the National Headquarters Staff of the Selective Service System, serving as Regional Field Officer in Dallas, Texas. The Regional Field office served the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. His assignment as a member of the National Headquarters staff was terminated with his appointment as Texas State Director of Selective Service. He served in that position from January 1, l971, until his retirement on April 30, l977.
A resident of Dripping Springs, Texas and a member of St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, Colonel Glantz passed away on July 16, 2004. He was survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Louise Schmidt; four children; Patricia Glantz Martin, Judith Glantz Maund, John Glantz, and Nancy Glantz Grant; thirteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Information taken from: obituary, Austin American-Statesman, July 19, 2004. |
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