Melvin Dee Adams

Melvin Dee Adams, 76, passed away April 18, 2012 in Kingman, AZ with his family by his side. He was born February 18, 1936 to Joseph William and Belle (Johnson) Adams in Woodruff, AZ. He was the fourth of seven children. He grew up in Lakeside, AZ and graduated from Snowflake High School in 1954. He met Gaye Ellis while she was babysitting for his Uncle Wendell Johnson in Washington. They married October 30, 1955. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on December 27, 1956. They were blessed with seven children.

Mel worked every day of his life; starting at his father's store at age 7 and many various jobs growing up including water meter reader and installer, driving a cement truck and hauling sand for pools in Arizona. In 1966, Mel moved his family to Washington State where he owned and operated a Phillips 66 service station. Later, he worked for many years in auto parts. He owned a carpet cleaning business before returning to Arizona in 1994 to work with his brother at Red Mountain Mining at Mineral Park. He and his wife, Gaye, also helped others with their Young Living Essential Oils business. He loved helping others throughout his life.

Mel was a faithful member and served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, most notably as a Home Teacher, Stake Missionary, High Councilman, Bishop and as a Temple Worker.

His family meant the world to him. He enjoyed getting together for family reunions. He had a very large extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Gaye, of 56 years; children: Steve (Cindy) of Union Gap, WA, Richard (Karen) of Yakima, WA, Marie (Craig) Westbrook of Yakima, WA, Jerry of Kingman, AZ, Louis (Charlene) of Layton, UT, Dee (Casie) of Kingman, AZ, and LeiLani (Mike) Billings of Dixie, LA. 25 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; his sisters: Evelyn Chapman, Betty (Dan) Haws, Nelda (Lonnie) Larson, Debra Copp and 3 sisters-in-law, Louise Nielsen, Mary Lynn Tyrell and Margaret Adams. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a few aunts and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Harold, Leon and Lavoy, his brother-in-law, James Chapman and a granddaughter, Morgan Adams.

Viewing will be held 9:00-9:50 a.m. at the LDS Kingman Stake Center, 610 Eastern St., Kingman, AZ. Service at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012.