Melvin L Gray

Memorial Services for Melvin L. Gray 79 of Fort Dodge are tentatively set for Monday, December 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home in Fort Dodge.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Military Honors will be provided by the Fort Dodge V.F.W Post 1856.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Lohrville, IA.

Melvin LeRoy Gray was born January 29, 1935 in Lake City, Iowa.  His parents were Austin and Gladys (Troxel) Gray. Melvin grew up in Lohrville and attended country schools.  He served in the United States Army  from 1953-1955. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Strayer and to this union four children were born; Dale, Theresa, Michael and Craig.  Mel worked for Becker Manufacturing in Alta, Iowa making bank fixtures and doing millwork.  He then was self employed for several years as Mels Cabinet Work.  He then moved to Estherville and worked at Glasstite in Dunnell, MN where he help build pickup toppers.  In 1989 he moved to Algona where again he did cabinet work in schools and other businesses.  Mary Ellen died in 2003.  Mel married Patsy Peterson in August of 2004 and moved to Fort Dodge, where he has lived since.  Patsy died in May of 2009.  His hobbies included wood working and playing cards.  He was a Mason and served as Deputy Grand Master.

On December 10, 2014 Melvin L. Gray died at the Fort Dodge Villa Care Center.  He is survived by his children; Dale (Susan) Gray of Jackson, Michigan, Michael (Michelle) Gray of Hills, MN and Craig (Missy) Gray of Chapin, South Carolina, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Shirley Kay of Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary Ellen, second wife Patsy, and daughter Theresa.

Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be directed to www.brucesfuneralhome.com