Melvin D. Wilson

Melvin Dee Wilson, age 72 passed peacefully, on Friday, August 18 2017, at his home in Payette, Idaho. On this day, the world lost an amazing father, son, husband, brother, friend, and "uncle, uncle." All those who knew Melvin, will recall his wisdom, wit, and humor and remember him with a smile. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 25th, at Owyhee Cemetery, Adrian Oregon, with a celebration of life to follow at George and Margie Yasuda's venue, in Ontario, Oregon. Friends may call on from 6-8 PM Thursday August 24, 2017 at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel in Payette. Condolences may be made to Melvin's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com. Funeral services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. A lifetime resident of the Treasure Valley, Melvin was born July 24, 1945, in Nyssa, Oregon, a son to Harley and Betty Wilson. He attended high school in Adrian, Oregon, and graduated in 1963. After high school, Melvin attended, and played basketball at Treasure Valley Community College. He received his master's degree, in agriculture science, from Oregon State University in 1968. Melvin married Wanda Peutz-Goodson in 1964, and had two children, Harley and Kimberly. They later divorced. Years later he remarried to his life partner and love, Debra Botner-Wilson in 1979 and had one child, Jaecie. Mel and Debbie built a life together in Ontario, Oregon and later moved to Payette, Idaho, eventually settling in one of the many homes he built. They especially loved exploring nature, riding horses, and escaping to their cabin, near Baker City, Oregon. In 1968, Mel began his teaching career at Treasure Valley Community College. He was the second instructor hired for the agricultural department. He, Bill Murphy, and later, Roger Finley created and grew the agricultural program at the college. Mel started the rodeo program in 1968 and put on the first TVCC rodeo in 1970. He was the rodeo advisor, off and on, for all 30 years he served at Treasure Valley Community College. He also served as the rodeo announcer for many years. He retired May 27, 1998. His work at the college provided mentorship, knowledge, and inspiration for thousands of youth who experienced the program. All that Melvin did was born of passion. He loved his family, music, nature, hunting, fishing, horses, and creating. He and his wife, Debbie, provided entertainment and shared many people's celebrations through their music and band, "Sweet Country." They performed for many years, and it was not unusual to hear the "Man with the Big Voice," using his guitar, and talent to entertain, wherever he was, through impromptu performances. He and Debbie raised, showed, and rode quarter-horses. Through their hard work, they achieved a superior blood line of well-sought-out horses. Melvin also auctioneered. He passed his people skills, talents, and creativity to his children and grandchildren, and was so proud to share in their accomplishments. Mel is survived by his wife, Debbie Botner-Wilson, Payette; his children, Harley Wilson (Dani Jo Kriegh-Wilson), Ontario; Kimberly Wilson-Atkinson (Tracy Atkinson), Boise, and Jaecie Wilson-Lopez (Javier Lopez), Ontario; his grandchildren, Matthew Atkinson, Katelyn Atkinson, Mason Wilson, Alexis Wilson, Harley Jo Wilson, Kodiak Lopez, Devynn Lopez, Talynn Lopez; his brothers, Darrell Wilson and Kenneth Wilson, and his sister Lila Wilson-Smith. He is also survived, and loved by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorials to Huntsman Cancer Institute 200 Circle of Hope Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 OR Hope Lodge 375 E/ 100 S. Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 Service Details. Visitation When: Thursday, August 24th, 2017 Location: Funeral Home Address: Service When: Friday, August 25th, 2017 Location: Funeral Home Address: