Melvin Edward Gorder

Melvin Edward Gorder passed away on October 13, 2025 at his home in Poplar, MT. Melvin was born on February 22, 1955 to Mary Alice and Chris Gorder. He grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar Schools graduating with the class of 1973. Soon after Melvin joined the Navy, which took him traveling to various places including Scotland-which he often talked about. Melvin was proud to be a Veteran!

Upon returning home after his service he went to work at West Electronics where he was employed for many years. Melvin was currently in his 15th year working at Poplar schools. He always enjoyed visiting his coworkers and teasing with the ladies in the office. Melvin had a very unique sense of humor, never sugar coated anything and told it just how he thought it was.

Melvin faithfully visited his mother multiple times a week, always delivering her mail, and was there to just keep her company. Although he never had children of his own, “Uncle Mel” was a great uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, leaving them with many crazy and memorable memories.

Melvin enjoyed visiting family and friends, drinking coffee, playing poker and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed many rides with his friends Greg Norgaard and the late Doug Colgan.

A highlight for him was attending the Sturgis Rally seven times! Another was traveling to Las Vegas with Pat Brunelle to play in the World Poker Series. Oh, we are sure the stories that could be told! One thing that Melvin had always talked about, and was truly planning to do, was going to Pittsburgh to eat at his nephew’s restaurant “Gordo’s Tacos and Tequila”.

Melvin loved music. He played guitar and keyboard, and was always working on a song. The first band he played in was Eve’s Mission with all of his Glasgow buddies. He was currently in the band Harvest Moon and they most recently played at the Blue Moon & Steakhouse in Plentywood, MT.

Melvin was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, and those who loved him. As the title of a song he was writing/working on goes, he’s only a “Heart Break Away.”

Melvin is survived by his mother Mary Alice Gorder of Poplar, MT; his brothers Paul (Margy) Gorder of Pittsburgh, PA, Gene (Gena) Gorder of Pittsburgh, PA, Mike (Val) Gorder of Poplar, MT, and sister Alice (Kenny) Smoker of Poplar, MT; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Andy) Cain, Brian Gorder, Kevin (Diana) Gorder, Scott (Lori) Smoker, Steve (Clarice) Smoker, Kenneth (Hailey) Smoker, Christian Smoker, Paul Brien, Jamie (AJ) Culbertson, Chris (Philline) Gorder, James (Brittani) Gorder, Cole (Kate) Gorder, and Layne Gorder; great nieces and nephews, Sean, Brendan, and Nolan Cain, Stephen, Leah, Shiloh, and Selah Smoker, Samson and Makhi Smoker, James, Eli, and Everly Curtis, Charlotte Smoker, Alexus (Cal), Bella, and Asher Culbertson, Jazmin, Cali, Caydee and David Gorder, Rebecca and Brodyn Gorder, Bronc, Gunner and Kopper Gorder.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father, Chris Gorder; infant brother Christopher Gorder; grandparents Alice and Gene Breese, and Mabel Gorder; great niece Scarlett Culbertson, and great nephew Sage Smoker.

We invite you all to join us following the service for a luncheon in the parish center to celebrate and remember Melvin’s life.