Louis George Melhorn, Jr., 80, of Toronto, OH, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville.

George was born March 26, 1946, in Steubenville, son of the late Louis George, Sr. and Doris (Graham) Melhorn.

George graduated from Toronto High School in 1964 and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Baldwin Wallace College. He continued his studies at American University, where he earned a master’s degree in choral conducting.

He briefly taught on the military base in Quantico, VA, before returning home to join Franciscan University, where he taught music education for more than 20 years.

On Sundays, George played organ at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Steubenville. He was also a founding member and longtime conductor of the church’s Handel’s Messiah, leading the community performance for more than 50 years. For many years, he also assisted with musicals at Steubenville Big Red.

Toronto residents may remember George’s family as the owners of Melhorn Dairy on Trenton Street, which opened in the 1930s and closed in 1984. George also had the distinction of playing piano at the White House in Washington, DC.

George leaves behind several cousins including Dr. Thomas “Bo” Graham and wife Diane, Marlene Graham Wolf and husband Rick, Darlene Graham Mason and husband Bill, Anne Graham, Pam Graham Alex, Greg Graham and wife Rosie, Norliza Batts, Dr. Dale Graham and wife Kathy, Elaine Barnes and Butch Barnes, Dina Graham, Bonnie Wilson, Sam Dorf, Rick Gray, and their families.

A graveside service will be announced and held at the Toronto Union Cemetery led by his cousin, Deacon Dr. Thomas “Bo” Graham.

George’s arrangements are in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH. 

Memorial donations may be directed to the Toronto High School Alumni Association PO Box 273 Toronto, OH 43964.