Obituary for LaMar Fay Melville
LaMar Fay Melville passed away on February 8, 2023 in Twin Falls, Idaho at the age of 89. His final days were spent comfortably at home with his loving wife Carole and their little pug dog Lilly by his side. In his last few days on this Earth, he received loving visitors which included many family members and some good friends. Until the end, he kept his concern for the well-being of his children and his unique sense of humor, smile and laugh. LaMar lived a long and full life in which he touched the hearts and minds of many individuals and families.
LaMar was born on June 26, 1933 in Fillmore, Utah to parents Brigham LaFayette Melville and Bernice Melville (Stone). He was part of a large family which included 11 other brothers and sisters as well as a step dad Rod Stott of Meadow, Utah.
He graduated Millard High School in 1950 and a few years later, much like several of his brothers, he entered military service, joining the United States Army. He was a Specialist 3rd Class in Artillery and served the majority of his time in Germany as well as Fort Ord, California. During a trip home to Fillmore for leave in early 1955, LaMar met Dixie Jean Turner, they began dating and were married in 1956. LaMar completed his active-duty service and remained in the Army Reserves until 1965.
In 1958 he began his career with the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP). His service took him to Wendover, Utah; Logan, Utah; and finally, a return in the early 1960’s to Wendover, Utah where he and Dixie permanently settled and he remained in service with the UHP as a Sergeant. During his time in law enforcement, LaMar was a friend, mentor and confidant to many troopers, given that Wendover was often the first duty station for new troopers who were destined for the state’s highways. They were there to learn, hone their skills and abilities and to make the grade. LaMar would often tell stories of his time in Wendover or times out across the salt flats on the road where he was not just an officer of the law, but often, a helping and guiding hand to many who found themselves in circumstances and need; some became life-long friends.
LaMar and Dixie began their family in 1958 and had four sons which they raised in Wendover and who LaMar took great pride in. Randal LaMar, Reese Fred, Cory Turner and Chris Joseph.
During his life in Wendover, LaMar was, as many of the time, an active volunteer and citizen given the size and remoteness of Wendover. This included being a member of the Lions Club, local Horseman’s Association, coordinating with the town of Wendover, Tooele County and Elko County officials, as well as officials from the U.S. Air Force and many others. One of his proudest accomplishments but one in which he often didn’t speak of was the formation of Wendover’s Volunteer Fire Department. Drawing upon his previous military experience and service with the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department and with the help of Wendover Mayor Johnny Susich along with the U.S. Air Force and some of the remaining crew at Wendover Field, LaMar was able to pull together some basic fire equipment and vehicles and recruit some worthy and committed volunteers to form this new department. He was always very proud of those first eager members who joined at the time which included: Loyd Brown, Jim Smith, Earl Lacy, Gary Julian, Gary Dahlstrom, Dale Callister, Mose Gibson, Hoot Gibson, Dan Matthews, Ray Crawford, Tom Watkins, Ab Smith, Bill Richey and Earl Heath. LaMar served as the first Fire Chief of the newly created department and as a member for nearly two decades after. He never forgot those first volunteers who made him so proud and gave him fond memories of their service together.
After retiring from the Utah Highway Patrol in 1983, LaMar undertook for several years farming/ranching with property both in Fillmore, Utah and near Lages Junction in Nevada as well as dealing blackjack and craps at the State Line Casino in West Wendover, which he enjoyed immensely. However, all of that changed in 1987, when he began his second career which he would say, “he most loved”. He was appointed by the Tooele County Commission to become the Justice of the Peace for the Wendover, Utah Justice Court. LaMar was then subsequently elected to the Judge’s position which he served in for 21 years.
He often remarked how fortunate he felt to have not just two careers in his life but three, when he included the raising of his four boys.
In 1997 LaMar married the love of his life, Carole Ann Fischer. This marriage enlarged their family with each bringing children and grandchildren to the story. As Carole would often tell, LaMar was always the consummate gentleman, protecting her, loving her, never letting her open a door for herself and laughing and crying with her.
As Judge, LaMar made many trips throughout the United States for seminars and studies related to his work. Carole was most often by his side on these trips which became for them, little adventures that they truly cherished. Eventually in 2008, after 21 years as Judge and at the age of 75, LaMar brought to an end his career as a Jurist and entered full retirement.
Though he now had the title as a retiree, he remained very active with his hobbies of woodworking and horseshoe art through the years. He enjoyed taking hours to sit with Carole on the patio in the early mornings having coffee and watching everyone go by on their way to work or those dropping their kids off to the neighboring school. Eventually, he and Carole decided to move to Twin Falls, Idaho, just a short 30-minute drive from her sister Pamela. This new adventure refreshed LaMar’s love of fishing which he readily took up with his brother-in-law and fellow fish aficionado, Ron. If there was a pond or stream with water, it probably had fish, and even if it didn’t it was just good practice, he would often say. Even after their move to Twin Falls, he never shied away from keeping in touch with his friends nor from meeting new people to have conversations with, no matter the subject. It was just his nature and in part made him who he was. As his sons would say, with ease Dad could strike up a conversation with anyone from anywhere about any subject. He could hold the attention of complete strangers and before their conversation was finished, they were his friends.
LaMar is survived by his wife Carole Melville (Fischer) of Twin Falls, Idaho; his sons Randal (Natalie), Reese (Elizabeth) and Chris (Arturo) of West Wendover, Nevada; his step daughter Tammera (Scott) of North Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandchildren Skylar (Gretchen), Seth (Beca), Jennifer (Jermain), Jamie (Jim), Joshua (Julene), Jessica (Anthony), Amanda, Rachel (Dwyane), Greggory (Cristian) and Catherine along with 19 great grandchildren: Grace, Hazel, Amara, Elliot, Marquel, Angelina, Anthony, Alexander, Lilly, Blakely, Jayden, Jude, Joslyn, Colby, Mavery, Adeline, Easten, Eligh, and Reyna; His sister-in-law Pamela (Ronald) and brother-in-law Richard (Ted).
And lest not to be forgotten, his four-legged pal and favorite pooch, Lilly.
He is preceded in death by his son Cory (d 1988) father Fay (d 1956), mother Bernice (d 1983), step father Rod Stott (d 1980) and all of his brothers and sisters: LaNola Johnson (d 1989), Doma Frampton (d 1991), Hilbert (d 1996), Alene Grundy (d 1996), Donald (d 1987), Van (d 1985), Theo Sampson (d 2009), Fred (d 1991), Mae Sagers (d 2000), Ada Jean Clark (d 2011) and Duane (d 2018).
To honor LaMar’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no memorial service held. His ashes will be placed in a family plot at the Fillmore, Utah Cemetery on May 6, 2023 at 11:00 am; family and his many friends are welcome to this graveside service.
LaMar was always fond of dogs. Through his life he owned many some of which accompanied him while on duty. Of the breeds, they included German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Blue Heelers, Basset Hounds, Jack Russells, Beagles, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Pugs and the inevitable, Heinz 57’s which was the term LaMar used for those of mixed breeds (always the sense of humor). And who can forget one of his favorites, a pig who thought he was a dog, named Peetamus. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Pet Adoption Group or your local Humane Society.
LaMar was born on June 26, 1933 in Fillmore, Utah to parents Brigham LaFayette Melville and Bernice Melville (Stone). He was part of a large family which included 11 other brothers and sisters as well as a step dad Rod Stott of Meadow, Utah.
He graduated Millard High School in 1950 and a few years later, much like several of his brothers, he entered military service, joining the United States Army. He was a Specialist 3rd Class in Artillery and served the majority of his time in Germany as well as Fort Ord, California. During a trip home to Fillmore for leave in early 1955, LaMar met Dixie Jean Turner, they began dating and were married in 1956. LaMar completed his active-duty service and remained in the Army Reserves until 1965.
In 1958 he began his career with the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP). His service took him to Wendover, Utah; Logan, Utah; and finally, a return in the early 1960’s to Wendover, Utah where he and Dixie permanently settled and he remained in service with the UHP as a Sergeant. During his time in law enforcement, LaMar was a friend, mentor and confidant to many troopers, given that Wendover was often the first duty station for new troopers who were destined for the state’s highways. They were there to learn, hone their skills and abilities and to make the grade. LaMar would often tell stories of his time in Wendover or times out across the salt flats on the road where he was not just an officer of the law, but often, a helping and guiding hand to many who found themselves in circumstances and need; some became life-long friends.
LaMar and Dixie began their family in 1958 and had four sons which they raised in Wendover and who LaMar took great pride in. Randal LaMar, Reese Fred, Cory Turner and Chris Joseph.
During his life in Wendover, LaMar was, as many of the time, an active volunteer and citizen given the size and remoteness of Wendover. This included being a member of the Lions Club, local Horseman’s Association, coordinating with the town of Wendover, Tooele County and Elko County officials, as well as officials from the U.S. Air Force and many others. One of his proudest accomplishments but one in which he often didn’t speak of was the formation of Wendover’s Volunteer Fire Department. Drawing upon his previous military experience and service with the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department and with the help of Wendover Mayor Johnny Susich along with the U.S. Air Force and some of the remaining crew at Wendover Field, LaMar was able to pull together some basic fire equipment and vehicles and recruit some worthy and committed volunteers to form this new department. He was always very proud of those first eager members who joined at the time which included: Loyd Brown, Jim Smith, Earl Lacy, Gary Julian, Gary Dahlstrom, Dale Callister, Mose Gibson, Hoot Gibson, Dan Matthews, Ray Crawford, Tom Watkins, Ab Smith, Bill Richey and Earl Heath. LaMar served as the first Fire Chief of the newly created department and as a member for nearly two decades after. He never forgot those first volunteers who made him so proud and gave him fond memories of their service together.
After retiring from the Utah Highway Patrol in 1983, LaMar undertook for several years farming/ranching with property both in Fillmore, Utah and near Lages Junction in Nevada as well as dealing blackjack and craps at the State Line Casino in West Wendover, which he enjoyed immensely. However, all of that changed in 1987, when he began his second career which he would say, “he most loved”. He was appointed by the Tooele County Commission to become the Justice of the Peace for the Wendover, Utah Justice Court. LaMar was then subsequently elected to the Judge’s position which he served in for 21 years.
He often remarked how fortunate he felt to have not just two careers in his life but three, when he included the raising of his four boys.
In 1997 LaMar married the love of his life, Carole Ann Fischer. This marriage enlarged their family with each bringing children and grandchildren to the story. As Carole would often tell, LaMar was always the consummate gentleman, protecting her, loving her, never letting her open a door for herself and laughing and crying with her.
As Judge, LaMar made many trips throughout the United States for seminars and studies related to his work. Carole was most often by his side on these trips which became for them, little adventures that they truly cherished. Eventually in 2008, after 21 years as Judge and at the age of 75, LaMar brought to an end his career as a Jurist and entered full retirement.
Though he now had the title as a retiree, he remained very active with his hobbies of woodworking and horseshoe art through the years. He enjoyed taking hours to sit with Carole on the patio in the early mornings having coffee and watching everyone go by on their way to work or those dropping their kids off to the neighboring school. Eventually, he and Carole decided to move to Twin Falls, Idaho, just a short 30-minute drive from her sister Pamela. This new adventure refreshed LaMar’s love of fishing which he readily took up with his brother-in-law and fellow fish aficionado, Ron. If there was a pond or stream with water, it probably had fish, and even if it didn’t it was just good practice, he would often say. Even after their move to Twin Falls, he never shied away from keeping in touch with his friends nor from meeting new people to have conversations with, no matter the subject. It was just his nature and in part made him who he was. As his sons would say, with ease Dad could strike up a conversation with anyone from anywhere about any subject. He could hold the attention of complete strangers and before their conversation was finished, they were his friends.
LaMar is survived by his wife Carole Melville (Fischer) of Twin Falls, Idaho; his sons Randal (Natalie), Reese (Elizabeth) and Chris (Arturo) of West Wendover, Nevada; his step daughter Tammera (Scott) of North Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandchildren Skylar (Gretchen), Seth (Beca), Jennifer (Jermain), Jamie (Jim), Joshua (Julene), Jessica (Anthony), Amanda, Rachel (Dwyane), Greggory (Cristian) and Catherine along with 19 great grandchildren: Grace, Hazel, Amara, Elliot, Marquel, Angelina, Anthony, Alexander, Lilly, Blakely, Jayden, Jude, Joslyn, Colby, Mavery, Adeline, Easten, Eligh, and Reyna; His sister-in-law Pamela (Ronald) and brother-in-law Richard (Ted).
And lest not to be forgotten, his four-legged pal and favorite pooch, Lilly.
He is preceded in death by his son Cory (d 1988) father Fay (d 1956), mother Bernice (d 1983), step father Rod Stott (d 1980) and all of his brothers and sisters: LaNola Johnson (d 1989), Doma Frampton (d 1991), Hilbert (d 1996), Alene Grundy (d 1996), Donald (d 1987), Van (d 1985), Theo Sampson (d 2009), Fred (d 1991), Mae Sagers (d 2000), Ada Jean Clark (d 2011) and Duane (d 2018).
To honor LaMar’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no memorial service held. His ashes will be placed in a family plot at the Fillmore, Utah Cemetery on May 6, 2023 at 11:00 am; family and his many friends are welcome to this graveside service.
LaMar was always fond of dogs. Through his life he owned many some of which accompanied him while on duty. Of the breeds, they included German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Blue Heelers, Basset Hounds, Jack Russells, Beagles, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Pugs and the inevitable, Heinz 57’s which was the term LaMar used for those of mixed breeds (always the sense of humor). And who can forget one of his favorites, a pig who thought he was a dog, named Peetamus. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Pet Adoption Group or your local Humane Society.