Jeffrey Allen Mellinger

Jeffrey Mellinger Obituary

JEFFREY ALLEN MELLINGER 12/29/1952 - 07/15/2009 Jeff was born in Upland, CA, and went to be with his Lord, in Palm Desert, CA. He resided with his family in Yucca Valley. He started his extensive Fire Service career with the US Forest Service in 1971. In 1982 he transferred to the California Department of Forestry as a Crew Captain at Fenner Canyon. After progressing through the ranks he has been an Assistant Chief in charge of the Fenner Canyon conservation camp since 1997. He is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Justin and wife, Catie of Yucca Valley; daughter, Melissa and hu sband, Jeremy Lutz of Crofton, MD; grandchildren, Christian & Cooper Lutz, Addyson Mellinger; his parents, Duane and Shirley Mellinger, Glenn & Colleen Davis; brothers, Richard & Dana Mellinger, Greg & Thomas Davis; and sisters, Denise Slate, Dawn Jerimiah and Sharon Dintaman. Jeff was pre-deceased by his brother, DeLane Mellinger. Visitation will be at Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, from 4 to 8 P.M., Monday, July 20, 2009, and a Fire Service Memorial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Immanuel Baptist Church, 28355 E. Baseline, Highland, on Wednesday, July 22nd. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the California Firefighters Memorial, 1780 Creekside Oaks Dr., Suite 200, Sacramento,CA 95833.

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Published by San Bernardino County Sun on Jul. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Mellinger

12 Entries

Dennis Nowicki

October 21, 2009

Jeff was one of the finest men I ever worked for and I will miss him.

Jason Marsh

July 27, 2009

To Mellinger Family:

I had the privilege of working for Chief Mellinger for the past three years. I was assigned to Yucca Valley in October 2006. He would stop and see how the station was and to see how the personell were doing.

He took a lot of heart and pride in the Paul Wearing memorial. He worked very hard with us at Yucca Valley to make sure that everything was right. He may have come across as brusqe at times, but that was his way of taking care of us and showing that he cared.

I always said Yucca Valley FFS was his home. He was one of our huge supporters at Yucca Valley fire station.

Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

He will be missed at Yucca Valley.

Jason Marsh
Fire Captain Yucca Valley FFS

Mary Flynn

July 26, 2009

Chief, I still cannot not believe you are not with us....I will miss many shared experiences and memories over the last three years we worked together. Over all my years with Cal Fire you were by far the best boss because you were also one of my good friends; who only cared for mine and all the Captains assigned to Fenner's best interest. Our family is missing its leader and you will be deeply missed.

Chris Nichols

July 21, 2009

To the Mellinger Family,

I have known Jeff since 1997 when I started in the fire service. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Jeff in both the fire service and during the rodeos in Yucca Valley. He was a stern man but under that tough outer shell there was obviously a man that was compassionate about his job but more importantly, his family. When he promoted to Division Chief, I didn’t see him that often. But when I did, he always took extra time to say Hi and ask how I was. He gave me excellent guidance on my career track and always told me that if I needed help with anything to give him a call. Last year I ate breakfast with Jeff in Yucca Valley. I was looking for guidance from a Leader (My Chief). Once we sat down and started talking, I realized he was there as a friend. We sat and talked for close to 3 hours. I have to say that this conversation was not what I expected. Jeff is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! He has always been there for me! I still can not comprehend the fact that he is gone. I think it will take some time to really set in. I know he will be watching over his family and his brothers and sisters in the fire service. He will be missed by many but his legacy will live on!

It's an honor to have worked for you Boss!!!!

David Logan

July 20, 2009

Duane, Shirley, Melissa and Jason, I am sad we lost a great boss and friend. I frist meet Jeff in 1993 when I started as a firefighter. He took care of the people who work for him, I am proud to have known him and Cal-Fire will be miss a good man.

Steve Ruddell

July 20, 2009

Jeff was one of the best bosses I ever worked for. He was stern but fair and always up for a good laugh. Our time together working at Yucca Valley Station 14 was some of the best in my career.
After he promoted to Fenner he would still come by the station to shoot the breeze. He had nothing but good things to say about his captains at camp.
He was called Home way too soon, but God has his reasons

Kimberly Amos

July 20, 2009

My sympathy goes out to all of you. Your father is now your guardian angel and will always be with you. Hang in there, with time you can heal.

Lisa Kinsman

July 20, 2009

To Mel and family, may peace be with you. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Ulrey

July 20, 2009

While I did not know Jeff well I do know Duane and Shirley and wish to express my deepest sorrow at your loss.

July 20, 2009

Jeff, What can I say? You left us too soon. I will always remember your smile and your laugh and the little chuckle you did. We will miss you. Melissa and Justin you had a good Dad who loved you guys very much. He was very proud of both of you. Christy..he loved you so much.. I will be praying for you and your family. I love you, Patty

Rodney Delgado

July 19, 2009

Justin, Melissa, your dad was a man to be proud of. He was brave, smart, strong willed, stern and compassionate and was highly respected. He and I were friends for 19 years and he taught me many things. He could be a private person, but when he ever mentioned either of you or his grandchildren I could see his pride. I will truly miss him.

Justin Mellinger

July 19, 2009

Dad, I love you and miss you! I will always remember the time we spent together. I will take care of mom, and melly and the rest of the family. I know you will watch over us from heaven. I know someday we will meet again, I look forward to your smile, hug and laughter. Love Always, Justin

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