Melvyn "Mel" Smith

Melvyn attended L'Overture Elementary School in Wichita, Kansas. He was raised by his great grandmother, Laura Ann Grove, whom he loved very much and looked to as a mother. She was born in 1866 and lived to be 93 years old.

Melvyn moved to Portland, Oregon when he was 15 years old to live with his mother, Laura Evans. There, he graduated from high school and was drafted into the navy a year later, serving for four years. He went on to become an aeronautical manager at Teledyne-Ryan Aeronautical and he was a mason.

He loved playing golf and other sports like basketball. He was even a basketball referee.

Melvyn and Texa were married for 40 years, from 1983 - 2023.

Melvyn has four children that all live in San Diego, California; Deborah (John) Williams, Kevin (Angela) Smith, Ronald (Cindy) Smith, Derek (Linda) Smith, stepson Reginald Mathes, grandkids Diamond and Santino Smith, Johnathan William, Cecilia Salazar, Daniele and Jasmin King and five great grandchildren Kerri, Julian, Zoe, Dalandin and Kane.

He liked to be called 'Mel' by friends and family.

He had a sister named Betty Haskins and a brother named Phillip Bryant.

The family would like to thank Brighton Hospice for their excellent care givers during his illness.

A visitation for Mel will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Mel will be laid to rest in Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E Florence Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Smith family.