Danny Melloway

Daniel (Danny) Douglas Melloway, age 84, of Columbia, MO passed away on September 26, 2022. Always willing to help anyone that needed it, Danny never met a stranger because everyone that met him instantly knew that there was no one else like him. His personality can only be summed up with two words: Danny Melloway.

Born to Oliver and Laura Wilhite Melloway on June 2, 1938, Danny grew up in Huntsdale, MO working on his grandfather’s 240-acre farm and going to school in a one-room schoolhouse taught only by Mrs. Claudine Moreau. In his 84 years, Danny never forgot where he came from: a farm boy from Huntsdale. As an adult he loved helping on the farm and in his mom’s garden with his beloved John Deere tractor.

At Hickman High School Danny loved his ’56 Ford and as a senior he started his journey as an electrician working for Hartley Richardson. After graduation, he started a four-year apprenticeship program with IBEW Local 257 in Jefferson City and then shortly after moved to San Diego, CA. While home for Christmas, he and Delores Bedsworth decided they should get married. Being the holidays and everywhere was booked, they called their ninth-grade teacher Rev. C. W. Pitney who married them in a small ceremony at his own home on December 30, 1959. Because Delores decided to get married and move to California rather than travel to the Orange Bowl with Marching Mizzou as a twirler in her senior year, Danny promised he would take her to Florida one day. Ten years later, Mizzou went to the Orange Bowl again and Danny fulfilled his promise.

After moving from San Diego back to Columbia, Danny finished his apprenticeship and became President of IBEW Local 257. Serving as Business Manager for 15 years, he held many titles and was Chairman of many committees including President of the Jefferson City/Columbia Building Trades Council.

Danny, a union man through and through, was passionate about organizing unrepresented electricians. His larger-than-life personality made everyone feel comfortable and his perseverance was respected by members and employers alike. Never backing away from a challenge, Danny was elected Business Manager during a slow period with many members unemployed. Danny negotiated countless contracts, including the contract to build the Callaway Nuclear Plant. With Danny’s help, Local 257 came out of financial hardship and provided ten years of employment for hundreds of IBEW members. Danny then negotiated the Local 257 retirement plan, making retirement enjoyable for hundreds of IBEW members. When he moved to the International Office he left the local with a great financial surplus.

On his off hours, Danny had one small vice: he was unable to walk past a craps table without stopping. Still involved in IBEW after retiring, Danny loved to tell true stories to anyone that would listen. He loved a good joke, even if he was on the receiving end!

Retiring after 17 years from the International Office, Danny and Delores continued to have many adventures and loved to travel with their dearest friends, Rosemary and Craig. They spent many days sleeping and fishing on their cruiser at the Lake of the Ozarks, loved dancing, going to NASCAR races, and traveling everywhere (including Florida every year). During over six decades of marriage Danny and Delores could have written a best seller about all their funny (and not-so-funny) adventures.

Danny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delores; son, David (who Danny called his “Number One Son”); sister, Brenda Mansfield of Fayette; half-brother, Oliver Melloway of Wichita, KS; stepbrother, Danny Lock; half-sisters, Jewel, Susie, and Janice; sister-in-law, Elaine Wehmeyer of Columbia; and several nieces and nephews.

Danny was preceded in death by both of his parents; sister, Betty Logwood; mother and father-in-law, Helen and Denver Bedsworth; and brothers-in-law, Tommy Logwood, Frank Mansfield, and Rick Wehmeyer.

A memorial will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia on Sunday, October 9, 2022 with visitation at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and a memorial service following.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or contributions of your choice.