Melvin Weeks

Melvin John Weeks

Melvin John Weeks, lovingly known as "Mel" or "Dad," was born on February 19, 1931, in Bountiful, Utah, to Alvin and Elizabeth Ingalls Weeks. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Vernal, Utah, where Mel was raised and became an active and well-known member of the community.

During his youth in Vernal, Mel excelled in sports-especially football-and served as the drum major for the school band. He formed many lifelong friendships during these years and remained in contact with many of those friends throughout his life. He graduated from high school in 1949 and soon moved to Salt Lake City, where he attended LDS Business School with his good friend Bryce Caldwell. After that year, he continued his education at the University of Utah, majoring in Marketing and Sales Management and minoring in Air Science and Tactics while participating in the ROTC program and preparing for a commission in the United States Air Force.

During the Summer, he obtained work with Standard Oil Company (Chevron) in Bryce Canyon, Utah, Mel met the love of his life, Doriene Barton. Doriene, who was born and raised in Tropic, Utah, was also working in Bryce Canyon during the summers. They quickly fell in love, and they were married on March 20, 1954, in the St. George Temple.

They began their life together in Salt Lake City, where they welcomed their first daughter, Vickie Lynn. Soon afterward they began Mel's Air Force career, which took them to several locations across the country. His assignments included Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; Graham Air Force Base in Marianna, Florida, where he completed primary flight training flying the Piper Cub and AT-6; Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where he flew the B-25; Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where their second daughter, Kathryn, was born. Mel often said that serving in the military had a positive impact on his life, and he was proud to have served his country.

In recent years, Mel had the special opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight. His granddaughter, Jenifer Horner, arranged the trip and accompanied him. The experience was deeply meaningful to him and one he treasured.

After completing his Air Force service, Mel returned to his career with Chevron. The family lived in Burley, Idaho, for a short time before being transferred to Salt Lake City, where their third daughter, Tamara Ann, was born. Over the years, Mel's work took the family to many places including Missoula, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; Arlington, Texas; and eventually back to Utah.

Mel was devoted to his family. Although his work required frequent travel during the week, he made it a priority to spend weekends with his family and serving in the Church. Many weekends included family outings, shopping trips, or time spent together doing simple activities that created lasting memories.

After living several years in Sandy, Utah-by which time their daughters were married and raising families of their own-Mel was transferred to Seattle, Washington. He eventually retired there after completing a long and successful career with Chevron.

Mel and Doriene dedicated much of their lives to service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before retiring, Mel had already served twice as a ward bishop. Together they served an employment mission in Seattle before moving to a condominium in Provo, Utah. While living there, they accepted another employment mission in Moscow, Russia. They also served two missions at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, a mission at the St. George Utah Visitor Center, and two seasons serving in Cody, Wyoming. Mel loved serving the Lord and helping others. He also served as branch president of the Snowbird Ward while he and Doriene spent winters in St. George and summers in Provo.

Mel was known for his strong work ethic and careful attention to detail. He kept meticulous records-whether managing finances or ensuring that Doriene always had her medications on schedule. Throughout their lives, Mel and Doriene formed deep and lasting friendships wherever they lived and always made an effort to stay connected. Mel especially valued his high school friendships and looked forward to returning to Vernal whenever possible for reunions.

In the later years of their lives, Mel showed remarkable devotion to Doriene as her mobility declined. His greatest concern was always her comfort, safety, and happiness. He faithfully accompanied her to appointments, outings, and especially to Costco, where she enjoyed watching people and sharing lunch together.

Mel and Doriene were blessed with good health for much of their lives and enjoyed traveling widely throughout the United States and abroad. They cherished time spent visiting friends, exploring new places, and simply being together.

Mel and Doriene are the proud parents of three daughters, Vickie (Dan) Olsen, Kathie (David) Jessup, Tami (Marcus) Peterson and a growing posterity that includes 18 grandchildren on earth and 2 in heaven, 50 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Elizabeth Weeks; his brother, Ernest (Elaine) Weeks; and his sister, Ella Beth (Bryce) Leavitt.

A viewing will take place at Nelson Family Mortuary (4780 North University Avenue, Provo, Utah, 84604) on Saturday, 21st March 2026 at 10:00am MDT, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am MDT. For those who cannot attend in person, a live stream of the service will be provided at https://my.gather.app/remember/melvin-weeks. A graveside service will take place at Provo City Cemetery (610 South State Street, Provo, Utah, 84606) at 12:30pm MDT.

In honor of Melvin's incredible life, we encourage friends and family to visit the memorial page. Please share your memories of Melvin and upload any photographs of him that you would like to share. Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of the joy and laughter he brought to our lives. As we remember Melvin, let us rejoice in the fact that he lived a life filled with love, respect, and meaningful relationships.

Services will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary. Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45. The funeral service will start at 11:00. We will be at the Provo Cemetery at 12:30. Thank you to Nelson Mortuary for all of their help to out family.