Melvin Mingus passed away May 5.

Melvin was born Jan. 7, 1943, in Oroville, Calif., to Hazel and John Tatum. The couple divorced shortly thereafter, and Melvin and his sister were raised by their stepfather, Alex Mingus.

Melvin attended schools in Oroville. Following high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee in Okinawa.

Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Burns to join his family who had relocated there. Melvin lived in Burns many years, and worked for the Edward Hines Lumber Company.

He married, and adopted his wife’s young son, Ryan. The couple had a daughter, Sara, who was born on his birthday. That was special to him.

Because of the decline of the timber industry, Melvin began working for Hasbrouck Construction. He then decided to move to Albany to pursue education for certification in water treatment. He completed his education at Linn-Benton Community College and earned certification. However, the opportunity for employment at a rare metals plant caught his interest, and he worked for ATI until he retired.

In 1992, he met Barbara Casali. They became an instant couple and were married in Albany. They shared many years together.

In 1993, he was gifted with an adult daughter, Robbie Gregg, and her young son, Trevor, who brought a new level of joy to the family.

Melvin was a Harley enthusiast. He bought and sold a few, and loved each one. He always looked forward to the group’s poker runs, and the annual Christmas event, “Toys for Tots”, as well as his many rides with his friend, John Samudio.

When the couple bought a beach house, his interests turned to boating, crabbing, and fishing. He kept the freezer full. However, he never lost his love for the desert and continued to hunt in the Burns area with his cousin, Jack White. On two of his hunting trips he brought back puppies. He spoiled them like little princesses.

Melvin treasured his friends and memories of Burns. He enjoyed telling stories of “Adventures in Burns.” Part of his heart was always in the desert, and he remained a member of the Burns Elks Lodge.

Anyone who knew Melvin well, knew he didn’t “color inside the lines.” He lived life, mostly on his own terms.

Melvin left a legacy of love for his family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Robbie Gregg and Sara Mingus; and son, Ryan Mingus. He was a wonderful stepfather to Samantha Jacobson and Lori Williams. His grandchildren, Trev, Torrie, Tyler, Alex, Savannah, Dixie, and Tara adored him. He is also survived by sisters, Carole Snow and Martha Tatum; and cousins, Jack and Larry White.

A special thanks to his longtime friend, John Samudio, who supported him through the difficult past seven months. And we are thankful for Heather Stuck who helped him with her humor and loving care. We also thank all those who kept him in prayer through this journey.

A celebration of Melvin’s life will be held at noon Saturday, June 1, at the Burns Elks Lodge. We invite his friends to join us.