Melvin Harlow Brown "Mel"

Melvin Harlow Brown, affectionately known as "Papa Bear", 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Chubbuck, ID on Friday, December 14, 2012 with his family present. Melvin was born on December 12, 1938, in North Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Weber High School and attended Weber College. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Melvin met and married Ruby Edna Hulet in 1962. They lived in Pocatello, North Ogden, and Southern California where they raised their 4 children. In 1977, they moved back to Idaho where he lived the remainder of his life. Melvin was a truck driver by trade. He worked for Smyth's Moving and Storage in California and Nicholas Moving and Storage in Idaho, where he traveled the United States in his own rig. In retirement, he drove a Pocatello Regional Transit Bus. In 2004, Melvin lost his wife, Ruby, to cancer. This was a devastating event in his life. He was recently sealed to Ruby in the Idaho Falls Temple. He was, however blessed to meet Kathryn (Kay) Mann. They were married in 2005 and remained so until his journey back home. Melvin had an affectionate smile and a mischievous sense of humor. His eyes gleamed when he smiled, and when he smiled, you knew he was up to something. He enjoyed music, dancing, hunting, fishing, leather work, photography, computers, talking politics, and traveling. But most of all, he enjoyed playing a good hand of Pinochle. It didn't matter who it was, if he could talk you into it, you were playing a hand of cards. One of Melvin's favorite past times was going to the Pocatello Senior Center with his wife, Kay, where they loved to socialize as well as play a friendly hand of cards. Melvin was loved by everyone he came in contact with. Melvin is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Kay) Mann Brown of Chubbuck, his four children; Wendy Schuder (Kevin) of Moreno Valley, California; Terry Brown (Barbie) of Downey, Idaho; Eddie Brown (Darlene) of Pocatello, Idaho; Tracy Merrill of Chubbuck, Idaho, and 10 grandchildren, Tiffani Johnstone (Karl); Kevin Schuder (Misty); Jeramy Brown, Brandon Brown, Britany Wright; Joey Brown, Nichole Packer (Joshua); Danielle Merrill (Justin), Brandi Merrill and Annie Brown, and 6 great grandchildren, Ethan, Ashlynn, Morgan, Iailey, Layton, and Brody; his brother's, Duane Brown; Sterling Brown (Barbara); Grigg Brown; Richard Brown; Lane Brown, Paul Brown (Sue), and Carlos King. In addition, Melvin was blessed with 9 additional stepchildren and their families: Ken, Rod, and Brad Sparrow; Jeraldine Acosta; Matthew Mann; DeVearl Stowell (deceased); Barbara Ryan; Sharlene Hillyard; Vicki Petzold, and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and three foster grandchildren. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Edna Hulet Brown; his father, Harlow Brown; his mother, Rhea Orton King; his brother, Andrew Brown; his step-mother, Iris Brown; and his step-father, Donald King. The family would like to thank the Hospice team for loving Melvin so completely. He really enjoyed their company, and each one of them made a huge difference in his life. They are truly the unsung heroes. They would also like to thank his family, friends, and the Chubbuck First Ward for their love and support. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 21, 2012 at the Colonial Funeral Home, located at 2005 South 4th Avenue in Pocatello, Idaho. Brad Sparrow will be officiating. Immediate family will meet at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a private viewing and family prayer before the service. Melvin will be cremated as per his request.