Melvin “Mel” C. Williamson past away peacefully at home on November 12, 2018 with his daughter by his side. Mel was born in Stevensville MT. on September 19, 1925 to Frank and Mary (Hughes) Williamson.
On January 18, 1944 at the age of 20 Mel reported to active duty during World War II with the United States Navy USS Bushnell (AS-15) as a Shipfitter 3c SV6. During this time Mel received the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 2, 1946.
Once again Mel was called to duty for the Korean War on May 16, 1951 and was stationed on the USS Mereus (AS17). He was honorably discharged on March 28, 1952. On February 15, 1947 Mel married Alice McMillan.
During his marriage to Alice they had 2 sons Rodrick “Rick” and Richard “Dick” Williamson. On January 10, 1953 Mel married Elizabeth “Betty” Wenholz in Bozeman MT. and had 2 children Joseph Williamson and Sharon (Williamson) Southern.
Mel was employed with Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph which went through many name changes. During his 32 years of employment with the telephone company he was a lineman and later in his career was an engineer. Mel retired from Qwest when the bell system broke up in the 80’s.
After retirement Mel and Betty made their home in the Whitefish area and Parker Az. In the winter. When our mom past away Mel moved back to Helena with his daughter.
He continued to drive south for the winter months. Mel was an active mason member of Ottawa Lodge #51 and the Algeria Shrine. For the past several years Mel’s passion was to make sure the Whoopee Wagon was shiny, and all the horns worked for parades across the state.
The highlight of his Mason years was when his grandson Jason Southern joined the Mason family in Utah. Mel is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Betty, his son Rick, parents Frank and Mary, and his brothers and sisters; Loyal, Lorna and baby brother Abel. Mel is survived by his children Richard Williamson, Joseph (Mary) Williamson of Bozeman and his daughter Sharon Southern of Helena.
Mel is also survived by his grandchildren Jennifer (Cliff) Wetzel, Mike Williamson, April (Jerry) Springsteel and Jason (Bailey) Southern. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and his niece and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in Melvin’s name to the Shriner Children’s Hospital, 911 W. 5th Ave.
Spokane, WA 99204 Gravesite services will take place on November 27, 2018 at 11:00am at the Victor Cemetery in Victor Montana with a reception following at the Daly Leach Chapel located at 1010 W. Main Street Hamilton MT.
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