Melvin Davis

IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Melvin Davis, 86, was born December 1, 1920, in Rigby, Idaho, and passed away June 8, 2007, at Turtle & Crane Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls. Melvin was the fifth of six children born to George B. and Ada Kinghorn Davis. His childhood and youth were spent in Rigby, Idaho, on the family farm. He attended schools in Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School. He joined the Army National Guard in September of 1940 and served 37 months in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in New Guinea and the Philippines. He served with the 98th Chemical Battalion, 116th Engineering Company “F” as a truck driver, sharpshooter and received the rank of Sergeant. He received three bronze battle stars for participation in Papuan, Luzon and New Guinea campaigns and a good conduct medal, Asiatic-Pacific theater medal, American defense service medal, and Philippine Liberation medal and one bronze star for Luzon campaign. He was honorably discharged in May of 1945. He met Florence Allgood upon his return from the war at the Jefferson County Courthouse. They dated for two years and were married in the Idaho Falls LDS temple on May 14, 1947. They made their home in Idaho Falls and were blessed with five children. Melvin worked as a meat cutter for People’s Wholesale and as a health physicist for Westinghouse Electric Corporation at the Nuclear Reactor Testing Station as it was known in those days. He trained many of the young Navy nuclear reactor operators at the Nuclear Reactor Facility. He retired in 1983 after 25 years of service. After retirement, he worked as a “rent-a-tech” and traveled to Connecticut, drove school bus for Idaho Falls School District #91, and drove for Avis Rental Car. Melvin and Florence traveled the world including a two-week tour of the South Pacific, Hawaii and Canada. They spent many years with family at the trailer in Island Park. Florence passed away in November of 1991. Melvin was a dedicated family man and delighted in spending time with his family and particularly enjoyed his grandchildren Justin, Josh, Eric, Seth, Katelyn, Nathan, Patrick, Christopher, Charley, and Jenna. He also took joy in the great grandchildren, Cole, Kendra, Emma, Harley, and Colton. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a Seventy, High Priest and served several years as the ward clerk in the Idaho Falls 22nd Ward. He was called as a veil worker in the Idaho Falls temple. Melvin is survived by his children Marlon (Laurie) Davis, Idaho Falls, Shane (Suzanne) Davis of Glendale, Arizona, Lana (Gordon) Egan of Idaho Falls, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Wilson of Ammon and a brother Wendell (Nila) Davis of Boise. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Florence, a son Robert Davis, an infant daughter, Paulina Davis, three brothers who died in their youth, and a brother Milton Davis. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at the Idaho Falls LDS 22nd Ward, 1235 Juniper Drive. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, and one hour before services on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. ------------------------------ Condolences received online: Jeanne Mattson grmattson@msn.com Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. I had the privilege of getting to know Melvin because my mother lived at Turtle and Crane for two years. I always looked forward to talking with Melvin when I visited my mother. He was kind to everyone and enjoyed participating with the residents in all their activities. He will truly be missed there. May you be comforted at this difficult time. Sincerely, Jeanne Mattson Nikki Robison nikki@walkerproduce.net I just wanted to take the time and tell you how much I enjoyed knowing Mel. I worked at Avis for about 4 years with your Dad. I worked in the office and at the front desk and my favorite times were when the shuttle drivers would come and B.S. with me. A lot of times I would have rather gone on the run with them than stay at the airport. I lost my Dad in May and my heart goes out to your family. My husband always reminds me that "He didn't say it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it." May you find peace that so many people cared about your Dad and enjoyed his personality. You will be in my thoughts