Melvin Howard Doss

Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville

Doss, Melvin Howard (61) passed away January 30, 2008 in Richland, WA. He was born to Everett and Irene Doss in American Falls, ID, on June 14, 1946.

Mel spent his preschool years with his parents and grandparents, Emmanuel and Mildred Selcho, on their dry land farm in Roy, ID. Early grade school years were spent in Como, TX. In 1956, the family relocated to a farm on N Batumn Road, west of Ritzville. It is here where Mel spent his summers working for area farmers. He graduated from Ritzville High School in 1964.

After attending Spokane Community College, Mel worked as a certified welder until 1967 when he was injured in an automobile accident that left him handicapped. Following rehab at Boise Rehabilitation Center, Mel completed the Electronic Technician Program at Columbia Basin Community College. He was then employed by Battelle NW on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, until retirement.

Mel retired in Kennewick, WA where he enjoyed hobbies that included: guns, sharp shooting, and a volunteer gun safety instructor for NRA and the local police. In 2003 he moved to five acres in the Benton City area where he enjoyed photography, traveling and auto racing.

Mel died of a heart attack on January 30, 2008, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland.

He is survived by his mother, Irene Doss of Ritzville, WA; sister and brother in law, Donna and Rick Bowers, and children, Garrison and Jacqueline Olivia Bowers of NC; aunt Anne Doss; cousins Gary Doss and Patty Ann, all of Sulfur Springs, TX; Michael Philen and Cynthia Lewis, both of Texas; Stephen Selcho of Utah; Terry and Tina Selcho of Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville, WA on June 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. and Inurnment will be at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Ritzville.

Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville is handling arrangements.