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Melvin Gerald Mings

July 8, 1934–August 28, 2022

Melvin "Mel" Gerald Mings 88, passed away peacefully at the Walla Walla Veterans Home August 28, 2022.

Melvin was born in Dayton, Wash., to Henry and Ruth Mings on July 8, 1934. He attended school in Dayton until entering the Army in 1956 where he completed and received his high school diploma. After completion of his service in the Army he returned to Dayton where he worked at the County Road Dept., on the rock crusher. He held other various jobs throughout his working years.

In 1955 he married his high school sweetheart Diane Black and they share three children. The late Gary Mings of Vancouver Wash., the late Jimmy Mings of Great Falls, Mont., and Melinda (Norise) Massenburg of Vancouver, Wash. They later divorced. Melvin is survived by the love of his life Judy. They married and have two sons, Jason (Melanie) Mings of Dayton, Wash., and Jesse Mings of Pomeroy, Wash. He gained bonus children, Jim Savage of Prescott, Wash., Joe Savage of Prescott, Wash., Josh (Lori) Savage of Burbank, Wash., and Jodi (Ken) McElroy of Burbank, Wash. He was "Poppy" to numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He loved spoiling the grandchildren and always had a stash of candy in the table by his chair for them.

Melvin enjoyed hunting and going for rides in the Blue Mountains, he even drew a big bull tag and was able to fill it. One of his favorite things to do was spotlighting and hunting with his hound dogs. In 1980 he won a trophy for Washington's largest raccoon weighing in at 36 pounds! He spent lots of time fishing on the Snake River and camping with family and friends.

Anyone who knew him knew he took pride in his well-manicured lawn. He'd spend hours mowing and making sure there wasn't a weed in sight.

In his younger days he was always up for a game of cards or game of poker. Melvin rarely missed one of his children or grandchildren's sporting events and was their biggest fan. He loved visiting with people and didn't know a stranger. Melvin was an avid Mariners and Zags fan and you could find him kicked back in his easy chair watching the game.

-Submitted photo

Melvin Gerald Mings

Melvin is proceeded in death by his parents Henry and Ruth Mings, brothers, Cecil and Glenn Mings, sister Janet Pomeroy Swingler, sons Gary and Jimmy Mings, grandson Justin Savage and son in law Norise Massenburg.

He is survived by siblings Ray Dean Mings of Prescott, Wash., and Ronnie Mings of Waitsburg, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will always be remembered for his crooked hat and smirk on his face.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Walla Walla Veterans home for the excellent care they provided Melvin.

A celebration of life will be held in Dayton at the Fairgrounds Youth Building on September 24, 2022 at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Eagles Aerie, No. 2618.