Melvin "Mel" E. Ghee
December 09, 2015
Mel passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at Taylor House Hospice. He was born April 2, 1932, in Nashville, TN to James and Eula Ghee. The family moved to Des Moines in 1943.
Prior to moving to Johnston 8 years ago, he lived in Altoona for 48 years. He graduated from East High School in 1950 and married Joann Stufflebeam in 1951. They were blessed with 5 children and they were together for 44 years until her death in 1995.
He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning to civilian life, he enrolled at Drake University and attended evening classes for 2 ½ years.
Mel married Ginny Olson in 1997, and they loved traveling and spending winters in Arizona. He liked most sports and was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan.
Mel worked in the accounting department at Look Magazine for several years, and later worked for Dahls Foods, retiring in 1994 as Grocery Department Manager.
Mel was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Des Moines.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Oscar, Paul, and Bill; sisters, Toleda and Dolly. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny; daughters, Sandra (Mark) Crouch of Altoona and Kathy (Larry) Dawson of Webster City; sons, Perry (Debbye) of Altoona, Kevin (Tammie) of Des Moines, and Kelly of Des Moines; stepdaughter, Jackie (Chris) Leech of Des Moines; stepson, Jeff Olson of St. Augustine, FL; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one step grandson; as well as his sisters, Deanna (David) Turner of Des Moines and Brenda Davies of Carrollton, TX.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Saturday morning at the church from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to New Hope UMC or UnityPoint Hospice in loving memory of Mel.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sherrie Hanson
12/12/2015
Dear Aunt Ginny, my heart aches for you on the loss of Mel. And my heart is warmed knowing how much love, care and thoughtfulness there was between you two. So many kind, happy memories of your years together that you may treasure forever. Mel made plans every year to celebrate your anniversary with a trip. He didn't let times like that or you get taken for granted. We will miss him dearly and we will continue to celebrate all the happiness he brought to your life. Love and hugs. Sherrie
Brenda Davies
12/11/2015
Ginny, I am so sorry I will not be there for you and the family. Everyone here sends their condolences and we will be thinking about all of you. Rest in peace brother. I love you. Your sister, Brenda
Mark Shepard
12/10/2015
I have had the pleasure of working with Mel's son, Kevin. I am sorry for your loss and ask God to bless and keep Mel and the family in our prayers and thoughts.
The Rubek's
12/10/2015
Mel was a fun guy and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
I will miss our conversations about life and living in this ever changing World.
Heaven's gain will be our loss!
doug smith
12/10/2015
A very nice kind man. Thoughts and prayers to all