Our dad, grandpa, brother, and friend, Melvin B. Church, left us peacefully and with quiet dignity on June 7, 2012. He was where he wanted to be, in his home. Dad's last few days of earthly life were spent with those whom he considered his most precious gifts, his family. For a little over 16 months he has been waiting to rejoin his wife, Marylyn, who passed away on January 30, 2011. For almost 52 years, Dad has been anxiously waiting for the reunion with his son, Bevan. He was blessed to know that his time had come. "Now I get to see my Boy!" Dad tearfully exclaimed.

Dad was born to wonderful parents, George N. and Sarah S. Church, on October 7, 1925 at the family home in Delta, Utah. He is the 10th child in a family of 12 (9 brothers and 3 sisters). Dad is survived by two older brothers (Ned and Ray) and two older sisters (Margie and Sarah). He married his high-school sweetheart, Marylyn Walker, on June 14, 1945, in Delta while home on leave during World War II. This union was blessed with 7 children: Michele (Ken) Parker, Janice (John) DeVroom, Ronald Church, Brent (Esther) Church, Dean (April) Church, Bevan Church (deceased), and LeeAnn (Randy) Clark. There are many grandkids and great-grandkids that all will miss their grandpa and grandpa-great "greatly".

We are thankful for his hospice nurse, "Clementine", who will tell you she received more from "Mel" than she gave. She allowed him to maintain his dignity and independence, two very important things to him, despite that his body was hampered by both blindness and illness.

He honorably served America in World War II as a member of Underwater Demolition Team #9. Admiral "Bull" Halsey called the UDT's his "football team", which is appropriate as Dad bypassed his senior year of high-school, which included being captain of the football team. He went to war because that was just what he was supposed to do. Through the faith of his family, especially his mother, Dad and his brother, Ray, returned home from the war safely. Dad was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in service to his country. Consistent with most veterans of this generation, Dad took most of his war experiences with him when he passed.

He taught by example. Brent put it best when telling the rest of us how he makes his most important decisions … "What would Mel Church do?" During his last hours a similar sentiment was expressed by many. Dad loved his family. He was quick to forgive. Dad always said to everyone as they parted, "Thanks for all you do!" And he meant it! Dad is the ultimate example of service. He was always there when needed, often without being asked. We all tried to go over to cheer him up only to leave laughing because he had cheered us up more!

We would be amiss if we did not close this tribute by saying that humor and fun were most important to Dad. He loved to give his grand-kids different names, sometimes two or three. "Clementine" is not really his hospice nurse's name, but she knows who she is. He also taught his grand-kids to say their ABC's … backwards! Being color blind, Dad loved to say, "Blue like a lemon". He could blow up both his muscles and his hat, much to the delight of his grandkids. Dad and his older brother Shiney were behind more than one "big one" on the many fishing trips with his brothers, kids, and grandkids.

On August 18, 2012 there will be a celebration of Dad's life in Delta, Utah followed by military graveside services to be held at the Sutherland Cemetery. The exact times and location for the celebration will be announced at a later date.