Melvin Ralph Meyer

Melvin Ralph Meyer passed away Nov. 25, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born in Rigby, Idaho on Oct. 25, 1924 to Gustave and Lucy Meyer. Melvin lived in Rigby and Idaho Falls, Idaho, Colton and Oroville, California. At age10, his family settled in Smithfield, UT, where he lived the rest of his life. On March 15, 1946, he married Madge Marie Merrill in the Logan LDS Temple. Melvin's parents, wife, and his brother, Delbert, preceded him in death. Melvin is survived by his five daughters: Marcia Wayne Johnson, Maxine Cleve Smith, Melanie Ralph Nilson, Maree Kevin Funk and Monica Jeffrey Kearl, 25 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. His brothers and sisters, Verna John Anderson, Floyd Rae Meyer, Lloyd Eloise Meyer, Arlene Richard Keysor, Mildred Clair Earl, and sister in law, Afton Delbert Meyer also survive him. The family would like to thank the kind people at Beehive Homes for the loving care they provided for Melvin. As a child, Melvin performed musical programs with his family around Cache Valley. He played the clarinet. He had a tender spot in his heart for music. Melvin's father started the Meyer Honey Company in Smithfield, Utah. The four brothers continued with the bee business and through their strong work ethic, they expanded into most of the Western states. The business included the production of honey, pollination, producing queens and bees, and the distribution of honey. Melvin was a Bee Inspector in Cache Valley. He worked a short time at KBLW in the 70's, where he sold radio spots, interviewed the "Man on the Street" and kept sports stats during broadcast games. He was a member of the LDS church, served in many callings and enjoyed many years singing in the ward choir. Melvin and Madge served as Service Missionaries at the Distribution Center. He also served 16 years as a volunteer firefighter for Smithfield City. His many hobbies included restoring antique furniture and old cars, and repairing antique clocks. He has generously built and given away 45 children's benches. He even used a felled tree from Newton to restore an old cutter sleigh. Melvin was always there to help someone who was "down on his luck" or take an old friend for a drive. His family fondly remembers the hotcakes and sausage he served on Christmas morning or anytime someone looked hungry. He was a worker and did not stop much to rest. If he did stop, it wasn't long before we heard him say those familiar words, "Well, gotta go".
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 28, 2011 at 12 noon in the Smithfield 17th Ward Chapel, 345 East 300 South. Friends may call Sunday evening at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to services. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.