Melvin Grant Christley

August 19, 1923 ~ March 18, 2020 (age 96)
Melvin Grant Christley, age 96, passed away suddenly on March 18, 2020, in Grantsville, Utah.
He was the last surviving child out of nine children born to William Gilford Christley and Ivy May Ferguson, on August 19, 1923, in Back Creek, Roanoke, Virginia.
He married his sweetheart, Mignon Jane Palmer, on April 25, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on November 15, 1945.
Melvin Grant Christley retired from the Tooele Army Depot after 30 years as a fireman. He was a founding member of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department, and served in the department for most of his adult life. He was the oldest "Utah State Firemen's Association" member with 70 plus years of membership. He served in the U.S. Army, near the end of WWII. He was also one of the original organizers of the Grantsville Federal Credit Union and served as a member of the Grantsville City Council. After retirement, he was a cattle rancher in Grantsville, Utah, Corvallis, Montana, and Greenfield, Missouri. He finally leased his cattle out, at age 91, and officially became the "Ranch Manager".
He served in many church positions throughout his life, in Grantsville,Utah, Corvallis, Montana, and Greenfield,Missouri, including serving as a Bishop in Missouri. Grant and Mignon also served two missions to Apia, Western Samoa, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsHe taught his family how to work hard and love the Lord. He loved his family and opened his home to many who needed his big heart. He had a testimony of the truthfulness of family history work, and contributed much to the work on behalf of our deceased ancestors.
He is survived by his children : Melvin Grant Christley Jr. (Becky); Carol (Butch) Barton; Gary (Holly) Christley; Gail (Ed) Pines. He was blessed with 5 generations of descendents. He was preceded in death by his wife Mignon. He also had a special fatherly relationship with Patrick Coochwytewa (deceased), June Soto (Greg) Smith, and Mary (Henry) Mendoza.
We have indeed been blessed by GOODLY PARENTS.
The family wishes to express our appreciation to the staff at Diamond Jane's for their loving care of our dad, and to Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home for their services at this difficult time.
*** Due to the Corona Virus restrictions, the family is having a PRIVATE graveside service only. We regret being unable to accommodate a public gathering and appreciate your understanding at this time.
Online condolences may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.
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