OBITUARY: Melvin Richard Keele

Melvin Richard Keele

Melvin Richard Keele, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the age of 90. He passed away in the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Delmar Leatham, in Logandale, Nevada. Melvin was born on July 27, 1930 in Emery, Utah; the sixth of eight children born to Thomas Victor Keele and Edna Christena Keele.

Melvin loved growing up in Emery, and he had hundreds of stories of the mischievous adventures he had there. He made lifelong friends who blessed his life immensely.

At the young age of 17, Melvin enlisted in the Navy. He served for two years in Guam. While serving in the Navy, he earned both his GED and his seminary graduation. When he returned to San Francisco, after his service, he was informed that the United States was at war in Korea, and that he would be returning to the Far East, where he served another two years.

When he was discharged from the Navy, he began attending Carbon College in Price, Utah. It was there that he met his eternal sweetheart, Edla Anne Humphrey. They were married June 11, 1954 in Venice, Utah. Three years later, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple.

Melvin began working in the coal mine in Columbia, Utah. In four short years, Mel and Edla had 4 children, Christina, Melvin Richard Jr., Joan, and Thomas Leone.

When the coal mine in Columbia shut down in 1962, Melvin made a giant leap and brought his family to Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked at TIMET as a millwright for 30 years. He always said that he loved going to work and never remembered a time he was not happy being there.

Melvin had a desire to serve a mission, so after both he and Edla retired, they served at the Bishops’ Store House for two years. They arrived early in the morning and worked until late at night stocking shelves, filling orders, and helping others. They loved serving the Lord in this capacity. After fulfilling their mission, they started a new adventure, and moved to Beaver, Utah. They quickly made new friends, and felt right at home, becoming a great asset to the community.

Melvin loved his family dearly and he was very proud of every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. He loved all animals, but he especially loved dogs. He loved outdoor activities and was a master fisherman. He loved walking and exploring and could often be seen miles from home on these adventure walks with his dog, Skippy.

Melvin loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he taught his family to love it too, through his excellent example. He served in two bishoprics, as Elders’ Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, and many other callings. He was an excellent home teacher, and he loved the families he served. He never missed a single month as a home teacher. Most importantly, he put his family first and served them as a valiant father and grandfather.

The family will always be grateful to Joan, for selflessly and lovingly caring for their father, Melvin, for the last six years. They are also thankful for the kind care givers from Hospice and Caring Hands.

Melvin is survived by his children: Christina (Cody), Richard (Tammy), Joan (Delmar), and Thomas (Rhonda); 18 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ina Vee (Bill) McElprang. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Edla; his parents Thomas Victor Keele and Edna Keele; and six siblings: Weldon, Ellen, John, Vernel, Marva, and Connie

The family wants to thank all those who have provided service and comfort at this difficult time.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Moapa Valley Mortuary, with funeral services held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. MST at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Beaver Stake Center, 1380 E. 200 North St., Beaver, UT 84713, with interment following at the Beaver City Cemetery, 650 E. 600 North St., Beaver, UT

Friends and family are invited to sign an online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.