Mel served with distinction in the United States Army Infantry in World War II, where he and his brothers in arms were awarded the Unit Citation for Valor for their part in storming Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was also involved in the liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge.
He was a rancher for many years which he worked alongside his then wife, Lucy Martinez, and their two sons, David and Amos. Mel also loved to hunt and visit with friends and tell stories.
He was respected by many and will forever be missed.
