Melvin D. King Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2011 at his home in Helena. Mel was born August 31, 1947 in Helena to Melvin and Margaret King.
Mel graduated from Helena High Senior High School in 1965, and went to work at the Burlington Northern freight dock. In the fall, he attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. The following year, Mel followed in his fathers footsteps, and joined the Navy. Mel was stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines, serving with Harbor Clearance Unit 1, Salvors. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1969, and returned to Helena to work at Burlington Northern Railroad in the roundhouse. Mel then trained as an engineer, and went on to serve 30 years as an engineer working the helpers out of Helena for Burlington Northern, then hiring on at the start of Montana Rail Link where he helped train new engineers. He then transferred to Missoula were he ran freights between Missoula and Spokane. He retired from the railroad after 38 years of railroading.
When he wasn’t running trains, Mel enjoyed fishing for perch at Placid Lake with the family, trolling at Canyon Ferry, and generally enjoying his boat. He also was an accomplished bowler, rolling a 300 game in 1987. Mel enjoyed all forms of outdoor activities, and was an accomplished golfer and hunter.
Mel was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, in 1998. He is survived by his father, Mel Sr. of Helena; sisters, Susan (Gary) Schmidt of East Helena and Nora (Steve) Wriston of Baker City, Oregon. Mel also is survived by his “adopted” son, Dan King and his wife Julie, and son Ryan; nephews, Jason (Molly) Schmidt, great nephew, Keller Schmidt, Jeff Schmidt, Dave Ekman all of Helena, and Cody Wriston of Baker City, Oregon. Mel is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Helena area.
“On to better hunting grounds.”
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A reception will follow the service at the Service Club on the Fort. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Melvin, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Mark S. Smith says
Mel was one of the most professional Locomotive Engineers I’ve ever met. He always had kind words to say about someone and was never a person to shirk his responsibilities.
I will never forget our conversations about the time he spent in his younger years working on the Fickler Ranch near the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Mel will be sorely missed in the Railroad community.
Our condolences go out to Mel’s family.
God Bless Mel.
Jim Jorgensen says
When I went through the engineers program Mel trained me on the helpers out of Helena. He was a good trainer and a great person.
Jim Jorgense
Curt Synness says
Condolences to Mel’s family on your loss. I first met Mel when I joined the Navy in 1970, and later shot a lot of pool with and against him while “making the rounds” in the ’70s. He was a good pool player and hotrod driver, among other things. We lost contact over the years, but Mel was always very friendly whenever we bumped into each other. He was a great guy.
Dale Bennett says
My sincere condolences. I met Mel in the 70’s at Helena when he was working in the Roundhouse, he was a jovial character, always good for a laugh just to make your day brighter.
I also saw him often in the Missoula yard office when he was going/coming in on a run, a very gentle giant of a man. He’ll be missed.
Dale Bennett
Bill Houston (Hooter) says
Melvie “old buddy” you beat me to Heaven!!! Mel and I grew up together playing baseball, softball and bowled together since we were little kids. Mel and I joined the Navy together. Mel and I won the City Doubles Open Division in Bowling plus many Team Titles. He was and will still be one of my best friends. For a big guy he was as smooth as silk. I’m going to miss you big fella!!! To Mel Sr, Susan and Wimpy-He was a great son and brother and Thank you for sharing Melvie’s life with me.
Larry J. Heigh says
Our condolences
Geri Lee says
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. King. He came into our lives due to a train derailment in Heron in the early 90’s. Our thoughts are with his family.
The Heron Community Center
flossie says
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all. He was a great man and I for one, will miss him.
Mike McNamara says
To Mel’s family & Friends, I worked with Mel in the early 80’s on the B.N. He was without a doubt one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My he rest in peace, and someday old buddy will see each other again……God Bless You!
BOB (SLIM) BATEMAN says
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. MEL WAS A GOOD FRIEND ON MINE ON THE BN AND MRL RAILROADS.HE WAS A GOOD ENGINEER AND LIKED HIS JOB.
TO A FELLOW NAVY VETERAN I SAY”
MEL YOU WERE MY FRIEND AND I WILL MISS YOU.”
I AM RETIRED ALSO AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW WE KIDDED EACH OTHER ABOUT WHO WORKED THE MOST DAYLIGHT TRIPS.
“GOOD BUY MEL,YOU ARE NOW RAISED IN GLORY TO ETERNAL LIFE, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST,OUR LORD.”
Bob & Bev Moore says
We first met Mel in the late 70’s when we bowled together on Tripp Brothers Team. He was a good friend and teammate. He had a great sense of humor & told the best stories and jokes, he was the best bowler I bowled with.While we had limited contact in later years, we would always look for Mel on the trains and wave like crazy. We are sorry for your loss and pray your memories of him will bring you comfort in this time of sorrow.
Arlene Hunt says
I am so sorry for your loss of Mel, he was such a nice person , I enjoyed knowing him. He will be missed very much.
Mike Dempsey says
Sorry about the loss of a good friend and poker buddy. Mel was always really nice to talk to, and remembering the times gone by. He loved talking cars and all of our friends that we had in common.I will miss his at the poker table, altough he always seem to always to be able to have a better hand. Again, mt condolances. Mike
Sue Bailey Lane says
To Dad, Susie and Family……..I absolutey could not believe what I saw on my computer this morning, I have been BEST friends with Melvie since High School and we had gotten alot closer in the last 10 years. He was a very caring, consierate man and I loved him very much. We had alot of fun going to car shows, dinner at my house and watching movies. Both in Missoula and in Helena. I miss him already and he will be missed by alot of people. I’m glad I have such good memories of conversations, just last weekend, and he will never be far from my heart. Please believe he is in a better place ….happy and healthy………Love you Hun xoxo
Bill Riordan says
Very sad to hear about Mel’s passing. He truly was a man who took great pride in his job and always a pleasure to work with. I always looked forward to working with Mel and will miss him-God must have needed a good engineer in heaven and now he has one of the best. Happy Trails big fella:)
Vince Martorano says
I just found out about Mel’s passing. So very sorry to the family and friends. I served with Mel at Subic Bay. We had many great times together especially at the Club 101.
Mel The King as well all called him, great guy and friend.
Miss you Mel
Rocky