Melvin was born in Eugene, Oregon, to Earl and Nellie Gowing and grew up in Lorane, Oregon. He joined the US Army after high school and served in the Korean War, as well as later in the National Guard.
He spent his working career in the Railroad Industry, retiring in 1992. He married Phyllis Ann Perkins on July 29, 1954. They remained married until his passing. He was a member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church,…
