Melvin Haggard

MELVIN C. HAGGARD Click Here to Watch Video Tribute of Melvin's Life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Melvin C. “Mel” Haggard passed away September 4, 2007, surrounded by his family in Midvale, Utah. Melvin was born December 26, 1923, to Elmer and Dorotha Isaacs Haggard in Arkansas. At age 20 months, his mother passed away. His father married Jewel Griffen, and she became his “mom.” The family moved to Idaho when he was about 2 ½ years old and settled in Ammon. Melvin spent all of his school years there. He was very athletic and played softball and basketball in high school. He earned his letter when he was a Freshman. He entered military service in 1943, and was stationed with the military police in San Francisco, California, at Fort Mason. He guarded the ships coming from and going to the Pacific. He transferred to the infantry and was sent overseas. He was held prisoner of war in several camps in Germany. Once liberated and flown back to the United States, he trained recruits at Camp Roberts in California. He was discharged December 5, 1945. Melvin married his sweetheart, Margie Dalling, in the LDS Mission Home in Los Angeles, California, November 24, 1945. They were then sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple August 12, 1948. Melvin worked as a meat cutter for Savings Center, farmed for about a year with his father in Groveland, and then drove trucks for Garrett Freightlines for ten years. He then spent the rest of his working years driving a bus to the AEC site. He retired in 1984. Melvin loved to hunt and fish. He played softball on teams in Idaho Falls and Iona. He loved horses and rode with the Iona Posse. He enjoyed carpentry and working in his shop building many lovely things. Melvin and Margie worked hard to keep their home and yard looking neat. After his retirement, he and Margie spent time during the winter months in Tucson, Arizona, and St. George, Utah. They enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones. One of the highlights of his life was being a grandfather “Papa” to Alec and spending times with him in his shop and at Warm River fishing. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the office of High Priest. He served as Sunday School President, Elders Quorum President, Financial Clerk, Counselor in the Bishopric, and on the High Council. He was also a Home Teacher for many years. He and Margie served a service mission to the Bishop’s Storehouse in 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Blair; son-in-law, Brent, and his grandson Alec. His is also survived by his brother, Dewaine Haggard; sister, Linda Treat, and sister-in-law, Gaye Weston, as well as nieces and nephews who were very important to him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie; his son, Steven; his parents; a brother, Hazen; and a sister, Norma Elison. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Iona LDS Stake Center (corner of Iona Road and Ririe Highway), with Bishop Byard Cox officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park with Military Rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team. ------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Delmar & Myrna Anderson Dear Becky and Haggard Family, Please accept our sorrow and sympathy at the death of Melvin. We knew him years ago while we were growning up and he was such a fun loving person and friend He never seemed to loose that trait that made him so special. May Heavenly Fathers's blessings be with you at this hard time. We send our love and concern for you all. Love,Delmar and Myrna Anderson Stacy Kelsey stacy.kelsey@ferguson.com I am so sorry to hear about this. I know he will be missed, he was always fun to be around and loved his family very much. The time I was in this family it was a close knit family. Once again, I am truly sorry about this. If there is any thing I can do please let me know. Love Ya All Stacy Nancy Madsen Becky, We wish to send our condolences at the death of our neighbor in Iona. He was a good neighbor and friend. Sincerely, The family of Dermont and Genevieve Madsen: Karen Long, Kay Bodily, Brent Madsen, Mark Madsen, Nancy Madsen, Don Madsen, Jena Stinger, Gail Madsen-Clayton, Barbara Madsen