David Eric Mellott

Mellott, David Eric (Butch), 62, passed away September 19 after a brief battle with cancer. Butch was surrounded by loving family and friends. Butch was born in Wickenburg, Arizona on March 10, 1950. He attended West High School and Phoenix College. His early years were full of adventure as a roadie and tour producer for numerous bands including The Tubes, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and many others. His artistic and production talents led to future entertainment and industry productions for major corporations and automobile manufactures and employment at IronCo. A social justice advocate, Butch was very active in his church, Church of the Beatitudes, United Church of Christ and its Southwest Conference. Whether taking church youth on mission trips across the United States or crusading to help the disadvantaged, Butch poured his heart and soul into all he did. He took his causes seriously, but not himself. Always quick with a joke, Butch’s sense of humor brought joy to those who loved him right up to the end. Particularly to his family to whom he was devoted. It was not unusual to find Butch volunteering his time at his children’s high school theater productions or teaching them to build a fence or just giving sage advice. Butch was an active father. Butch was preceded in death by his parents, David and Sylvia Mellott. He is survived by his wife, Michele; children, Erica, Sam, Annie, and Faith; grandchildren Abigail and Brianna, his mother in law, Anne, the entire Knotter clan, beloved cousins nieces and nephews throughout the US and Australia as well as hundreds of friends. A celebration of life and love will be held in his honor on Sunday, Oct. 14, 3:00 pm, at Church of the Beatitudes, United Church of Christ, 555 W. Glendale, 85021. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Youth and Outdoor Ministries of the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ, 917 E Sheridan St, Phoenix, AZ 85006.