Melvin Dale Leader

Mel, age 87, was lovingly welcomed into heaven on March 13, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Leader who entered heaven on December 9, 2008. Mel was born on October 10, 1930 in Moline, Illinois to the late Thomas and Gertrude (Levin) Leader. He accepted Christ at 17 years of age. After high school he obtained advanced education in electronics. He joined the US Navy in 1952 where he worked as an electronics technician until his discharge in 1955. While serving in the Navy in San Diego, he met the Navigators. God providentially used this association to call him into full time service with the Navigators working with servicemen. He served in Wiesbaden, Germany; Naples, Italy and Hawaii. He married Nancy Smith on March 9, 1963. He met his darling Nancy at Glen Eyrie where she was working as a secretary for Rod Sargent. Mel and Nancy began their ministry to servicemen together in Honolulu, Hawaii. They continued their service with the Navigators by serving the military men and women in Charleston, SC; Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Colorado Springs, CO. Mels method of ministry was primarily one of coming "alongside" others. He befriended and walked alongside many men and women over his 55 years of service with the Navigators bringing numerous men and women to salvation. He loved to disciple Christians into a daily walk with God. He was a man who knew and memorized scripture. When he "came along side you", you knew you had a friend who was concerned for your eternity. Over the years Mel led more Bible Studies in his home than one could count. In those studies one always felt at home. Those attending knew the word of God would be honored and studied. Mel was central to the training of Navigator 2:7 Bible Study leaders in nine different states. Mels most cherished accomplishment was his family. His oldest son, Grant was born in Hawaii; Gary was born in South Carolina; Doug in Kentucky and Dan, in Colorado Springs, CO. Mel and Nancy dearly loved their four boys and enjoyed camping with them on their property near Cripple Creek. During the time of Mels service at Glen Eyrie his four boys spent many hours there working and playing. Mels third son, Douglas, was born with Down syndrome and has lived over 30 years at Shepherds in Union Grove, Wisconsin. After Mels retirement from the Navigators he continued his ministry of "coming alongside" through Bible Studies in his home and one on one. In 2013 when Mels health deteriorated, his son, Grant along with his wife Jeannine and daughter Christa moved to Colorado Springs from Anchorage, Alaska to care for him on a daily basis. He was blessed to have family lovingly care for him and his needs until the last three months of his life at which time he lived in Assisted Living. Mel enjoyed reading his Bible, working on electronics and streaming on his iPad up to his very last months. Mel is survived by sons Grant (Jeannine), Gary (Shannon), Doug, Dan (Sheryl); and five beautiful grandchildren, Christa (23), Alexis (21), Olivia (17) and twins, Joshua and Zachary (11). He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Nancy. A memorial service will be held April 21, 10:00 am at Pulpit Rock Church, 301 Austin Bluffs Parkway, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation in Doug Leader's name to Shepherds Ministries where Doug is a resident. Shepherds is a non-profit organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Donations may be made in the form of a check to: Shepherds Ministries 1805 15th Ave. Union Grove, WI 53182 Phone: 262-878-5620. Service Information Memorial Service Saturday April 21, 2018 10:00 AM Pulpit Rock Church 301 Austin Bluffs Pkwy , 80918