Melvin Lane

My Life Story Melvin Eugene Lane, 89 of Meridian, Idaho passed away on October 4th, 2015. He was not alone when he died. He had the love of family around him before and during his passing and reassured each of his children that he was ready to go meet the Lord. He said he had lived a good life and was ready to go home. He was so brave and confident in his decision and the Lord was kind to take him home soon. Melvin was born December 17th, 1925 in Wichita, Kansas to Claude and Ada Lane. He was the youngest of three boys. Melvin was a caring, talented young man. He always liked building, creating and playing music. At age 7 he began playing the trumpet and at 18 he played the sousaphone. It was very important to his parents that each of their sons learn a musical instrument to play. Melvin would accompany his family to various venues in the community to play at square dances. Later on in his 50's he taught himself to play the upright bass. On December 12, 1943 Melvin enlisted in the US Navy. He was underage and had to have his parent’s note of permission stating that he could join. He went to boot camp in Farragut, Idaho for two months. Other places he trained and served were Hawthorne, Nevada where he loaded ammunition, bombs and rockets. He transferred to San Diego for landing craft school. From San Diego he was sent to Shoemaker, California where he waited for his orders to be shipped overseas. His mom and dad drove from Wichita, Kansas to visit him but he was not allowed to leave base, so their visit was just two hours long. He was sent to Pearl Harbor on a troop ship for two weeks and then onto the Marshall Islands. One of his duties was transferring mail and officers from ship or land to another location. While transporting an officer he was told that Japan had surrendered. On October 24th, 1946 he married Joyce Lucille Ehler. They met while working at Cardwell's in Wichita. Melvin was a very devoted, loyal and life-long companion to Joyce. They started their family in Wichita with the birth of Clifford Dennis in 1949 and Melva Jo in 1953. Melvin had been working for Boeing in Wichita and made several trips to Washington for training. He liked what he saw and asked his employer if he could be transferred. In 1956 Melvin, Joyce and their two children moved to Puyallup, Washington. After moving to Washington Karen Lynn was born in 1960 and in 1962 Kari Lee was born. In Sumner, Washington Melvin built his family a lovely home where they lived until he retired from Boeing after 29 years of employment. His son-in-law Danny Bade asked him if he would help work in the family beekeeping business so in 1978 he moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon. In 1984 Melvin and Joyce moved to Meridian, Idaho where he worked as a machinist. He retired from Micron July 8, 1993 in Boise, Idaho. He and Joyce spent many years traveling to warmer climates, living in Mesa and Casa Grande, Arizona. They bought a home in Cascade, Idaho but not liking to be cold, he was happy to be back in Meridian and closer to family. They resided at this home until his passing. Melvin's hobbies included boating, water skiing, fishing, bird and deer hunting. He loved to keep busy, so after retirement he taught himself to carve wood. At a recent family reunion, his eleven grandchildren were humbled and honored to each receive one of his carvings. Melvin was a member of the Assembly of God church and served as a board member at several locations. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clifford Lane. He is survived by his wife Joyce Lane of Meridian Idaho; his children, Dennis Lane of Marysville, Washington; Melva Bade of Donnelly, Idaho; Karen Hoffman of Meridian, Idaho; and Kari Potter of Walla Walla, Washington, along with their spouses, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Friday, October 16th at 1 o'clock p.m, located at 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise Idaho. A memorial service will be held at Foothills Christian Church 9655 W. State Street, Garden City, Idaho at 2 o'clock p.m.