Melton Donald "Mel" Hancock, 82, died peacefully at home in his sleep Sunday morning November 6, 2011. Born in Cape Fair, Missouri on September 14, 1929, he was the son of Mildred E. (Melton) and John K. Hancock. After graduating from Missouri State University in 1951, Mel enlisted in the United States Air Force, earning the American Spirit Honor Medal, went through Officer Candidate School, spent his remaining service time as an officer, and was honorably discharged from active duty as a First Lieutenant. In 1969 Mel and good friend John Capen formed Federal Protection, Inc., a security business, which remains a family business owned and operated by his son, Kim. As a private citizen, (Mel had never held public office), he initiated a petition drive to add a "Tax and Spending Amendment" in 1978 to the Missouri Constitution. He spearheaded the successful passage of this amendment in 1980, now referred to as the "Hancock Amendment". He was a man ahead of his time. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, and sister Peggy. Mel was elected to the United States Congress, representing the citizens of the 7th District of Missouri. He pledged to only serve four terms. Honoring that pledge he retired in 1996 and did not run for re-election. While in Congress he served on the House Ways and Means Committee. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Alma Helen "Sug" (McDaniel), two sons and one daughter: Lee and his wife Kathy, their children Stephen, Emily, Melissa, Kari, and Anna of Newport Beach, CA; Kim and his wife Gayla, their children Donald (wife Laura) of Springfield, Jenny Schulze (husband Chris) of Battlefield, Amy, and Grant of Republic; Lu Ann Hancock Weerasuriya and her husband Yasith, their children Eiliana and Eli of Newport Beach, CA. He is also survived by his brother Bob (wife Jane) of Springfield, three great grandchildren, Kaya and Elle Hancock and Maelee Schulze; brother-in-law Larry Large of AZ, former sister-in-law Irene Waller of Eldridge, MO, sister-in-law Sylvia Lee Bare and many nieces and nephews. Mel was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his vintage airplane as well as hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his farm life and walnut tree orchard, which last year was recognized as a 25-year Certified Tree Farm in the American Tree Farm System. Mel was a devoted and proud parent and grandparent, a loyal friend, and had a deep passion for his country. The funeral service will be held at Brookline Church of Christ (2630 S. State Highway MM, Brookline) at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011, followed by burial with full military honors at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 9th, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fair Havens Children's Home or any other charity of choice.