Melvin F. Powell, 80

Melvin F. Powell, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Nov. 6. 2020, passing away at home from natural causes.

Melvin was born to Merle and Bertha (Eller) Powell, Nov. 30, 1939, in Great Falls. He moved with his parents and older sisters Helen and Gail to Bigfork, where he was joined by a brother Dennis a short time later; they all grew up in Bigfork and graduated from school there. Melvin, at a very young age, helped his parents and uncle in a sawmill that his dad had. Melvin served in the Army National Guard for eight years, and when he returned from his six-month basic training he went to work at C&C Plywood, which became Plum Creek Lumber. During his time with C&C he spent his summer vacations at training camps for the Guard. He worked at the two mills for a total of 39 1/2 years. After he retired from Plum Creek he went to work for Kalispell School District No. 5 as a bus aide for special needs students, which he loved.

Melvin was always a good husband, father and provider for his family whom he loved so much. He was always willing to help anyone in need, and go that extra mile.

Melvin married Cecile Hanson on April 28, 1961. They have three children, Chuck, Terry and Christy, of Kalispell. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and bowl. (They had a family bowling team for several years.) He loved to go hunting every year with his hunting buds Raymond Powell, Steve and Krista Andrews, and Mike Powell, now all of Texas.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years Cecile “CeCe”, sons Chuck, Terry and daughter Christy, sister Gail (Joe) Banks of Lake Park, Georgia, sisters-in law Carlene Moore, Jennifer Powell, (Dennis) Bonnie Hanson, (Melvin Jr.) nephews, Lyle Moore, (Caroline) Jamie Moore, Vince Hanson, Tony Powell, (Tora), also of the Kalispell area, Rodney, (Kathy) Danny (Margot), Brian and Del Collins, all of Washington, nieces Marnita Collins of Washington, Shelly Green, and Libbee Todd, of the Kalispell area, Jill, Sally and Wendy Banks of Georgia and their families, and so many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents, sister Helen Collins and brother Dennis Powell, brother- in-law Melvin Hanson Jr., nephew Cory Powell, nieces Cindy and Polly Banks and great-nephew Dillon Moore.

There will be a memorial service at the Valley Community Church located at 2149 Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell, Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Michael Hance officiating. Please mask up and safe distance. There will also be a celebration of life next summer when, hopefully, this pandemic is over.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.