Melvin George Mitchell

Melvin George Mitchell was born on April 25, 1935, in Park City, Montana, the first child of Lester “Pete” Mitchell and his wife, Eula Belle (Hedges) Mitchell. Later his sister Audrey joined the family. In the early days, the family lived in Park City, Montana and Greenough, Montana.

The family bought a ranch and settled in Paradise Valley in 1945 where Mel completed his elementary education at Pine Creek School. He attended

Park County High School graduating in 1953 and was actively engaged in playing basketball and football and was named All State End. He served as Vice President of the local chapter of The Future Farmers of America.

Mel met his wife, Glenda Burnett, in 1956 and they were married on January 31, 1958, a union that would last over 64 years. Having joined the Army National Guard a few months after their marriage, they continued to “honeymoon” at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri as he completed his active-duty obligation. He served his country many years in the National Guard as a mortar sergeant. Returning to the home ranch in the fall of 1958, he quickly became a very capable mechanic and machine operator. Together with Glenda, they developed an outstanding herd of Registered Holstein cattle which received numerous awards and accolades. His heart and his hands have been rooted on the land and with the livestock that resided south of Pine Creek Road for over 64 years.

To Melvin and Glenda, two children were born:  Melvin Lyle in 1961 and Laura in 1963. True blessings - both of them. Tragically Lyle died in a car accident in 1977 and the remaining family was forever scarred. Laura returned to the home ranch in 1992, married and has two children, Mitchell and Mariah Creason. The Creason family, Darel, Laura, Mitchell and Mariah continues to work the land and having them do so brought such joy to Mel’s heart. These two grandchildren were the ‘light of his life.’ He rarely missed a chance to attend their sporting events, recitals, or county fair competitions.

Being a man who cared greatly for the community in which he lived, he served in many capacities on several boards including: Pine Creek School Board, Park County High School Board, and was a member of the Farm Service Board. He served as President and was a long time Director of the Montana Holstein Association, was a lifetime member of the Holstein Friesian Association of America and also a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

In addition to his immediate family all of the family ranch, Mel is survived by his sister, Audrey (Howard) Bowman of Laurel; his sister-in-law, Linda Blakeslee of Monument, Oregon; his Goddaughter, Nancy (Larry) Bangert of Laurel, and her mother and dear friend, Mary Herden of Belfry and her sons, Willis (Teri) of Belfry and Kenny of Oklahoma.  Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive.

For those of us who remain here, Mel will forever be in our hearts. And we know a glorious reunion, 45 years in the making, took place in heaven on May 1, 2022, as he reunited with Lyle! A memorial service in honor of Melvin will be held on Monday, May 9th, 11:00 A.M. at Holbrook United Methodist Church. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.