Melvin Duane Rowberry

Melvin Duane Rowberry, age 92, passed away December 20, 2025, peacefully at his home in West Valley City, Utah after suffering a stroke. As he entered into the spirit world, he was welcomed by his parents, Cecil Marion Rowberry and Ellen Johnson-Cook, his brothers, Cecil Joseph Rowberry and Don Rowberry, grandson, Paul Rowberry and great-grandson, Colin Valencia.

Duane was born on September 10, 1933, in Tooele, Utah. He grew up with his two brothers, Joe and Don, in Salt Lake City and Provo areas. He graduated from Provo High School in 1951. In April 1952, he joined the US Navy. He served 4 years of active duty and served during the Korean War. After his active duty he continued serving in the Navy Reserves for 37 years. He retired with 41 years of service. He married in February 1955 and later divorced. From that marriage he had 6 children. He married again in July 1965 and later divorced. From that marriage he had 5 children. On May 14, 1988, he married Linda Kay Velliquette. She had 3 children that he loved as much as his own children.

Duane was employed by Geneva Steel and retired after 30 years. He then went to work for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office at the jail. He started out as a civilian clerk and after two years he trained to become a jail officer. He retired after 11 years. His favorite job was when at the age of 80, he became a Grandpa Nanny to his grandson Flynn Lambert. He watched Flynn from 6 weeks old to the age of 5. They became the best of buddies during that time.

Duane enjoyed putting together metal car kits and has a nice collection of them. He then started putting Lego sets together and had fun doing that until his eyesight got too bad to see what he was doing. Duane also enjoyed singing and was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 57 years. He sang with the now inactive Skyline Chorus in Provo and then he joined the Beehive Statesmen Chorus when he moved to West Valley City.

Duane is survived by his wife, Linda, his eleven children, Russell (Judy) Rowberry, Victor (Carol) Rowberry, Celia (Jim) Davis, Jeff (Julie) Rowberry, Renee (Dale) Toney, Mel (Stacie) Rowberry, Tawny (Clay) Winward, Marcia (Jamie) Macsisak, Nicole (Scott) Mansfield, Lucille (Jake) Lambert, Sheryl (Craig) Hornberger, his three step-children, Jen (Mark) von Dohlen, Melissa (Cortney) Rehm, Jeff (Tina) Jackson and sister-in-law Arlene Rowberry, 39 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Holy Cross Jordan Valley Rehab Center during his month long stay there and to Suncrest Hospice for their love, support and care for the week he spent at home.

A celebration of life for this wonderful man will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00AM in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Marcrest Ward at 6170 West Marcrest Drive in West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday January 2, 2026, from 6:00-8:00PM at the church and prior to services from 10:00 to 10:45AM.

Immediately following services, a family luncheon will be held at the Church. The internment will take place at the Provo City Cemetery following the luncheon.

To join us via Zoom please use:  Upcoming link will be posted here.