Orland Ray Melvin Obituary (1936 - 2010)

Orland "Ray" Melvin Oct. 24, 1936 - July 14, 2010 ROY - I surrendered my tired earthly body to gain a greater position on July 14, 2010. I was born in LaFarge, WI., to the greatest parents Basil and Esther (Parr) Melvin, I joined three brothers and two sisters. All of my education and early years were spent in LaFarge where my family had a dairy farm and grew tobacco. I left home and joined the Marines at the age of 17, I had many duty stations and served two tours in Vietnam. While stationed in the Philippines, I met and married my first love Patricia Gregorio. During our eight years we were blessed with two beautiful children, Steven Ray and Lori Ann LaFontain. I retired from the Marine Corps in 1976. In 1980, I met and married my best friend and soul mate Verla Dabel. She presented me with four special children which I was thrilled to accept as my own; Michyle Marie, Janette Lynn, Karen Janine, and Dewayne Gene Miller. I moved my new family from California to Star Valley, Wyoming. We purchased the Sundowner Restaurant. We loved our eight years there, but a terminal illness with Verla's mother caused us to move to Utah. Our children blessed us with 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren which became my pride and joy. I worked as a butcher for Harmon's in Roy, and then went to work for I.R.S. as a machinist, and in maintenance. I retired again in 2002. Retirement gave a new love for life with my wife, our children and my favorite rocker on the deck watching grandchildren, birds and the grass grow. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lavern and Eugene, one sister, Lola, son, Dewayne, two grandchildren, Heather, Tyrell, one great-grandson, Colton. Love and memories will be carried on by my devoted wife Verla, son, Steven Melvin; Oxnard, CA; daughters, Lori (Melvin) LaFontain; Las Vegas, NV; Michyle, (Don) Hale, Afton, WY; Janette, (Larry) Dougherty, Roy; Karen Peavler, Roy; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Roy City Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded. In behalf of Ray's family, special thanks to Dr. John Friden, Dr. Grant Holland, Dr. Julia Whitaker and the staff from Alpine Home Care and Hospice for the extra years, months and weeks. We had to share with him. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 July 22, 2010 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary of Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 July 23, 2010 11:00 AM CemeteryRoy City Cemetery 5200 South 2300 West Roy, UT 84067 July 23, 2010 1:00 PM