Melvin L. Walbridge

~ Lovingly Written by the Family ~
Melvin L. Walbridge, 97, of Joplin, MO passed away Wednesday morning, March 19th, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. He was born December 31st, 1927 in Butler, MO to the late Homer and Edna Ethel (Spain) Walbridge.
Mel graduated from Rich Hill High School in May of 1947. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and the track team, where he often placed in the high hurdles. It was at a track meet that Mel met his beautiful bride of 77 years, Wilma Wood. He & Wilma married on July 3, 1948 in a private ceremony in Rogers, Arkansas.
Mel worked at Vendo Manufacturing in Kansas City, MO. It was there that their daughter Leann was born, in 1949, followed by their son Larry in 1954.
In January, 1950 Mel was hired at the Gas Service Company as a Meter Reader, thus kicking off a 40-year career. Mel's career was based on hard work, dedication, natural leadership skills and deep desire to create a wonderful life for his family. From Meter Reader to Customer Accounting, to Marketing, Mel proved his capabilities. 1959 brought his first job transfer to Newton, Kansas. Promoted again in 1963 they relocated to Carthage, MO where they lived for over 10 years. In 1974 Mel advanced into management as a Marketing Supervisor and transferred to St. Joseph, MO. Three short years later Mel rose through the ranks again to become the Division Manager in El Dorado, Kansas. His 1980 promotion to Division Manager in Joplin, MO only lasted a year before he achieved the position of Regional Manager. From there, Mel progressed to Vice President of the Eastern Region and finally to Vice President/District Manager of Southwest Missouri. Mel officially retired February 1st, 1990 from the Gas Service Company. He often joked that he was retired almost as long as he worked.
Mel lived an abundant life. His love of family, friends & community was boundless. As Kansas City Chiefs fans from the very first season, the Walbridge family would attend Chiefs games at the old Municipal Stadium, and later at Arrowhead. Mel looked forward to March 1st every year as it was opening day of trout fishing at Roaring River, a tradition he shared for many years with his son, and eventually grandsons. Mel was well known for his Lionel trains collection, a hobby he enjoyed & shared for over 50 years.
As a civic-minded individual, Mel dedicated his life to dozens of organizations and Clubs. The Lions, Kiwanis, United Fund, Real Estate, Home Builders and NW MO Restaurant Associations, Knights of Pythias and many Chambers of Commerce were fortunate to have Mel as their president, vice president, director, secretary or board member. After his retirement, he was a lobbyist for the gas industry in the Jefferson City, MO State Capital.
Mel also served as District Chairman for the MO Transportation Development Council to ensure the completion of the 49 Interstate Corridor, fighting for safe and more efficient highways.
February, 2013 he was appointed by the Joplin City Council to be head of the Joplin Regional Airport Board, a three-year term, which he served twice.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Wilma, of Joplin, MO; his son, Larry Walbridge (Angela), of Grove, OK; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Homer & Ethel Walbridge, of Butler, MO; his brother, Gene Vernon Walbridge, of Butler, MO; his daughter, Leann Cole & son-in-law, Chuck Cole, of Carthage, MO.
Mel and Wilma have been long standing members of the Park Plaza Christian Church where Mel was also a respected Elder. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the pastors at the church for their prayers and family support.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Park Plaza Christian Church, 3220 South Indiana Avenue, Joplin, MO.
Mr. Walbridge's final interment will be held during a private family ceremony in the Walbridge Family plot at Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO.
Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.