Melvyn Douglass

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Melvyn K. Douglass who died at the age of 76 on January 21, 2025. Mel was born January 3, 1949 in Ogden, UT to John and Florence (Watson) Douglass. On the day they brought Mel home from the hospital, the lane to their North Ogden house was snowed in. His Dad had to put his Mom on a sled, with Mel in her arms, and pull them to the house. When they finally got inside Mel was greeted by his older sister and 3 older brothers, who were all so happy that their parents and newborn brother finally made it home safely.
Mel grew up in more care-free times in Ogden. He attended Gramercy Elementary, Mound Fort Junior High, Ben Lomond High School and Weber State University where he earned an associate degree. While in Jr High he worked in the orchards on Canyon Road, during High School Mel learned to cut meat at Penny Wise Market on Canyon Road. He was later hired by the "new" Smiths Food King in Layton. He had always LOVED being on the water. Mel spent afternoons floating down Millcreek with his faithful dog Tubo, swimming with friends at the Lorin Farr Pool and vacationing with family at Bear Lake. Mel's family was not surprised when he decided to join the US Navy.
Mel was stationed at Long Beach Naval Station in California. Mel was assigned to the USS Henderson (Gearing-Class destroyer) from February 1969 to February 1975. During this time in the Navy, Mel served as the ship's Store Inventory Clerk. The USS Henderson served many worldwide ports including Korea and Vietnam.
After his service with the Navy, Mel and his family returned to Utah where he found work at Hill Air Force Base. He worked for the Department of Defense as a Pneudraulic Technician until he retired in 2016.
Mel was always fascinated with cars and spent all his free time working on any car he could, from his first turquoise 1956 two door Chevy to his last silver 2018 Chevy Silverado. Anything mechanical was his passion.
He was married to Thelma Delight, and they had three children, they later divorced. Mel then married Cathie Scambia and they had two children, they were later divorced. Mels greatest joy was spending time with his 5 children and their families. He was always trying to arrange a get-together of some kind, even if only in his own mind.
Mel is survived by 4 of his 5 children, Evone, Jennifer(deceased), Kenny, Josh (Josie) and Whitnie. He has 16 Grandchildren who he was very proud of, Tyler, Alesha & Savanna/Kevin, Kirstan, Kent, Kody, Kassidy & Kameron/Kadin, Ivy & Kohen/Cambree, Hadlee, Zoee & Rubee. He also has 12 Great-Grandchildren.
Mel is also survived by 3 of his 5 siblings, Richard (Jone deceased), Dallin and Ada (Roger Gaedcke) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his older sister Mary Lou (Johnny Sorensen deceased) and brother Wayne (Shirley).
Services and Military Honors presentation will be held at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington, Ogden on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. As per Mel's wishes, he will be given an honorary "Burial at Sea." The US Navy will perform that duty, aboard a ship stationed out of San Diego, CA US Naval Base.
We will miss your big smile & deep laugh! Safe Travels dear Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, and Friend. You are loved.