Melvin Dale Schmal

Melvin Dale Schmal, age 92, died Jan. 10 2026, in Prescott Valley. He was born April 24, 1933, to Ethel and Harold Schmal in Silvania, OH. Mel is survived by his daughters, Karmel Schmal, Caren (Lewis) Moon and Joyce Schmal; step daughters, Barbara (Henry) Kivett, Karen Moore, Kimberly (Mike) Ailport; brothers, Fred and Bill Schmal; grandchildren, Jayson, Jeremie, Clinton, Sierra, Josh, Michelle, Kenny, Jenna, David, Elizabeth, Robbie, Tricia; Ten great-grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Wagoner; wife, Shirley Schmal; brothers, Bob, Don, Tom and Ed Schmal; sister, Darlene Skaggs; step daughter, Marsha Bossart; grandsons, James and Donovan.

Melvin served in the Army from 1954 to 1956, where he worked as a locomotive engineer in Korea. He married Carol Wagoner and had three daughters. For 30 years, he worked as a sprinkler fitter and was a member of the Local 669 National Sprinkler Fitter Union. He spent 10 years working at Palo Verde Nuclear Plant. Melvin later married Shirley Schmal and his family grew to include his 5 step daughters. They retired to Prescott Valley together in 1992. Throughout his life, Mel had a passion for cars. He spent years dirt track racing and managing the fire safety equipment at Manzanita Speedway and Prescott Valley Raceway. He owned and built many antique cars and was a proud member of Prescott Antique Car Club. He enjoyed running and would finish a long day at work with a 5 mile run through his neighborhood. His family and friends will remember his sense of humor and his contagious smile.

Commemoration services in honor of Melvin will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 2026 at 9:00 a.m at Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley. Graveside committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. at East Resthaven Cemetery in Phoenix.