Mel Privett

Mel Privett passed peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on September 6th, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. Mel's absence leaves a void that will be felt strongly by all of those he valued, loved and cherished. His integrity, perseverance against all odds, and servant-leadership mentality left a significant impact on all he encountered.
Mel was preceded in death by his father and mother, Melvin Dale and Mebyl (Hames) Privett, one brother James W. Privett (Dolores), and wife Vicki (Deckard) Privett.
Mel is survived by son Melvin Privett (Kimberly) of Pomona, MO; daughter Ashlee (Privett) White of Mountain View, MO; son Zach Roberts (Christy) of Alton, MO; step-children Christopher Roberts and family, Kimberly Carney and family; Grandchildren Jennifer LeAnn (James) Asbury, Jacob Matthew, Chase Rodney and Bentley Raymond, Ezekiel Draven Shaw, Alexa Kai Josquin White, and Aliyah Kai Josquin White, Jace Benjamin, Cedar James, and Kai Aleksander; Great-grandchildren Samuel Brian, Blakey Royal, Olivia Joyce, Avalyn Marie, James Allen, Jaydon Wayne, Jace Mathew - as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mel was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he was a graduate of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He used his specialized training to provide fuel to fighter pilots during Operation Desert Storm as they flew across the Atlantic. Mel dedicated 16 years of service to the Air Force, with numerous accomplishments and recognitions - a direct result of his relentless drive to succeed. One of his many accomplishments during his time with the Air Force was being well-renowned as a flight instructor who was dedicated to the success of everyone he trained.
Mel and his wife Vicki were joined in matrimony on July 25th, 1998, and enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren, as well as other family, because above all else, family was the top priority. They enjoyed a peaceful life in Alton together, always with a Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper in hand, and made sure that anyone who came to their door felt welcome, loved and valued.
Mel also leaves behind a legacy of being the man with the solution, and no matter how big or small the problem, Mel always had the solution. Regardless of what he had going on, he would always put others before himself, and even in discussing his final wishes, that mentality never left him. That dedication to helping others before self didn't stop with family, it extended out to anyone who needed it, and his kindness and generosity were the foundation of how he treated those around him. His intelligence, brilliance and perseverance brought a sense of calm to anyone he helped, because if Mel was around, it was going to be okay. He inspired those around him to always strive for doing it right the first time, inspiring his children especially to be perfectionists, so they could do it "like dad does."
Services will be held at Clary Funeral Home in Alton, MO, on Friday, September 12th, with viewing at 1:00pm and services at 2:00pm, followed by graveside services for family and friends at Bailey's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mel and family ask that you please make donations to the American Lung Association or to the American Cancer Society.