Happy Birthday Mel

Guess what? This month is Mel’s birthday. He will be 59, but who’s counting? I thought I would share a little bit about Mel for my newest blog. So sit back, get comfy and let me tell you about an amazing man.

Mel was born on March 25, 1949 in Evanston Wyoming. His parents are Melvin Joseph Davis and June Danks Davis. He has a sister Maureen and two brothers, Lawrence and William. Mel’s father and brother Lawrence are both deceased.

Mel grew up in an area that is every kid’s dream…on the banks of the Bear River. He had endless adventures “on the river” and when I picture little Melvin Joe in my mind, I can see a freckle faced, red-headed boy in blue jeans that were rolled up in wide cuffs, and either a checkered button down cotton shirt, or a horizontally stripped tee shirt…with a belt, of course, and PF Flyers on his feet.

The teenage Mel was pretty much the “who’s who” of Evanston High. He was the captain of the football team and played offensive and defensive tackle. He was the starting center for the basketball team and was president of the Letterman’s Club. He was president of the band and played a mean trumpet. He was also homecoming king his senior year. He went on to play football on scholarship at Rick’s College and West Minster College. He graduated with a B.S. degree in business.

In 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Kay Clark. They were blessed with six great children (See Mel’s Marvelous Kids blog). After a few years of living in Salt Lake City, Mel and Marilyn moved back to Evanston where they raised their children. Mel owned a gas station and spent several years as a gas jockey. He later managed a motel. He dedicated his time and talents to Church service both in the bishopric and the high council. His favorite calling, however, involved the young men of the Church. He was active in scouting for many years and has been awarded most of the highest awards that scouting offers.

After a long illness, Marilyn passed away in 2004. Mel spent the next couple of years working out physically, managing the motel, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He’s a wonderful grandfather and his grandchildren adore him.

Mel and I met in the spring of 2006 and got married in August of that year. I continue each day to appreciate the man that I have married. He is extremely hard working. He’s made our “little fixer” upper look like a model from the Parade of Homes. He gets along with everyone and is noted for his amazing smile. Mel is very health conscious and together we spend many hours each week at the gym. My grandsons consider him their grandpa, and he treats them as his own.

Even though I could write about him forever, I think that I will quit for now and just say “Happy birthday, Mel, with lots and lots of love.