Melvin Rawlings Nielsen

After living a life of service - to his country, church, community and family, Melvin Rawlings Nielsen died on March 7, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family. Mel was born on March 17, 1931 in Driggs, Idaho to Almeda Rawlings and Harvey James Nielsen the youngest of six children. He grew up in California and graduated from Vallejo High School in 1948. During this time, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University where he played football, joined the Air Force ROTC and met his future wife, Shirle Pace. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 1, 1952. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an officer in the Air Force and served for three years. He was trained as a navigator in Houston, Texas and then assigned to Travis Air Force Base in the MATS command as a flight engineer. After moving to Idaho to join his father-in-law, H. Lawrence Pace, on the family farm, he was also able to serve another year in the Idaho Air Guard. Throughout his life, Mel served in various positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After raising their children, he and his wife served a mission in Snyder, Texas. He enjoyed working in the Boise, Idaho Temple for many years. Mel served on the Parma District School Board for nine years. He loved to work and play with his family. He enjoyed skiing, playing and watching all sports, and rafting down the Payette River. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, sister and his son, Kyle. He is survived by his wife Shirle, a brother Theral, Bountiful, Utah, sister Ruth, Sacramento, Calif., brother Jay, Pocatello, Idaho, son Val (Becky Hendry), Naperville, Ill., son Chad (Laurie King), Parma, Idaho, son Rod (Gayle Dowdle), Parma, Idaho, daughter Nanci (Ray Beus), Willard, Utah, daughter Margie (Hector Solorio) Newburgh, Ind., son Lary (Sherri Garcia) Parma, Idaho, daughter Lisa, Parma, Idaho, daughter Jan (Kendall Miller), Boise, Idaho, 38 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They also brought into their home Isaac Leroy Sherman, Jr. of Walt Hill, Neb. His service and love of life were an example to all those around him. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Nyssa, Oregon Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family will receive friends in the Relief Society Room from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at the Parma Cemetery. Condolences may be sent the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com .