Melvin Robert Stombaugh
DECEMBER 17, 1929 – DECEMBER 20, 2020
Obituary of Melvin Robert Stombaugh
Melvin Robert Stombaugh, age 91, of Keizer, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Melvin was born December 17, 1929 in Portage, PA (the year the stock market crashed). He was the 5th child out of 12 born to Albert and Agnes Stombaugh. Growing up he worked at a farm as it was financially difficult for his parents raising a large family. When Melvin was in junior high, he lost his brother, Albert Jr., to cancer. At age 17, with guidance from his brother Ray, Melvin gave his life to Christ and always said he was changed and never looked back.
After high school, Melvin graduated from St. Paul Bible College (currently Crown College) with a seminary degree. He met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Gunther, there. They were married on June 3, 1950 in a double wedding ceremony with Evelyn's sister, Harriet. Melvin and Evelyn began their life of service to the Lord building and pastoring churches. Their first church was in Garrison MN, followed by Glendive, MT, then Wadena, MN, and Spokane, WA. Melvin and Evelyn had 5 children. They moved to Salem, Oregon, so they could send their children to the Christian School, Salem Academy. The Stombaugh family began attending Salem Alliance Church which would remain the home church of Melvin and Evelyn for the rest of their lives. Melvin was involved in the leadership at Salem Alliance and impressed upon his family the importance of being involved in a community of believers. Melvin was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.
Melvin built many homes in the Salem area. He had several business partners throughout the years and also owned Stombaugh Construction. Helping people with his gift was just as important as making a living. It was not uncommon for him to build a house, making very little profit so that family could afford to own a house. He was always working alongside his children to help them in their construction businesses and with the building of their homes. He also used his talent on missionary trips building churches. He particularly enjoyed his trips abroad for that purpose. Melvin was very friendly, loved being with people, and always gave a warm handshake or hug. Melvin loved hunting, fishing, and participating in sports.
He was very competitive and loved watching his children play sports while they were growing up. For 23 years, Melvin and Evelyn were snowbirds to Yuma, AZ. He loved participating in the Senior Olympics there, where he earned over 400 medals. His favorite events were the punt, pass and kick. He always helped with the preaching at the local churches, with Evelyn at his side playing the piano. Faith, trusting in God, and love for others were his favorite topics to preach about. He was a man of prayer and when he prayed you felt the presence of God.
The last couple years of his life he battled dementia, which gave his family the opportunity to care for him as he had done so much for them. Even through that time, he still showed so much love to his family and blessed them in so many ways. Melvin is survived by his 5 children, Dave Stombaugh, Rich (Deborah) Stombaugh, Ray Stombaugh, Judy (Ray) Williams, Debbie (Tim) Aman, many grandchildren and survived by four sisters, Shirley Helsel, Marlene Cavender, Margorie Harper, and Janet Dorsch.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home - 1350 Commercial St SE, Salem OR. For those that cannot attend, it will be live-streamed (11:00 Pacific time). Graveside burial will immediately follow after the funeral, 12:30 at Belcrest Memorial Park at 1295 Browning Ave S, Salem, Oregon.
Memorials preferred to CAMA Services. Checks can be made to CAMA Services with "Hands of Honor" in memo line and can be sent to Debbie Aman's address or online giving at www.camaservices.org and click on "give now", then click on "a project you love" and click on "CAMA - Hands of Honor". "Hands of Honor" provides training and care for African girls and Melvin's family member leads this project. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at "[email protected]", may be sent to Debbie Aman, P.O. Box 511, Silverton, OR 97381, or may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Stombaugh family.
HOWELL, EDWARDS, DOERKSEN WITH RIGDON-RANSOM FUNERAL DIRECTORS
1350 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97302
BELCREST MEMORIAL PARK
1295 Browning Ave South
Salem, OR
DECEMBER 17, 1929 – DECEMBER 20, 2020
Obituary of Melvin Robert Stombaugh
Melvin Robert Stombaugh, age 91, of Keizer, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Melvin was born December 17, 1929 in Portage, PA (the year the stock market crashed). He was the 5th child out of 12 born to Albert and Agnes Stombaugh. Growing up he worked at a farm as it was financially difficult for his parents raising a large family. When Melvin was in junior high, he lost his brother, Albert Jr., to cancer. At age 17, with guidance from his brother Ray, Melvin gave his life to Christ and always said he was changed and never looked back.
After high school, Melvin graduated from St. Paul Bible College (currently Crown College) with a seminary degree. He met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Gunther, there. They were married on June 3, 1950 in a double wedding ceremony with Evelyn's sister, Harriet. Melvin and Evelyn began their life of service to the Lord building and pastoring churches. Their first church was in Garrison MN, followed by Glendive, MT, then Wadena, MN, and Spokane, WA. Melvin and Evelyn had 5 children. They moved to Salem, Oregon, so they could send their children to the Christian School, Salem Academy. The Stombaugh family began attending Salem Alliance Church which would remain the home church of Melvin and Evelyn for the rest of their lives. Melvin was involved in the leadership at Salem Alliance and impressed upon his family the importance of being involved in a community of believers. Melvin was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.
Melvin built many homes in the Salem area. He had several business partners throughout the years and also owned Stombaugh Construction. Helping people with his gift was just as important as making a living. It was not uncommon for him to build a house, making very little profit so that family could afford to own a house. He was always working alongside his children to help them in their construction businesses and with the building of their homes. He also used his talent on missionary trips building churches. He particularly enjoyed his trips abroad for that purpose. Melvin was very friendly, loved being with people, and always gave a warm handshake or hug. Melvin loved hunting, fishing, and participating in sports.
He was very competitive and loved watching his children play sports while they were growing up. For 23 years, Melvin and Evelyn were snowbirds to Yuma, AZ. He loved participating in the Senior Olympics there, where he earned over 400 medals. His favorite events were the punt, pass and kick. He always helped with the preaching at the local churches, with Evelyn at his side playing the piano. Faith, trusting in God, and love for others were his favorite topics to preach about. He was a man of prayer and when he prayed you felt the presence of God.
The last couple years of his life he battled dementia, which gave his family the opportunity to care for him as he had done so much for them. Even through that time, he still showed so much love to his family and blessed them in so many ways. Melvin is survived by his 5 children, Dave Stombaugh, Rich (Deborah) Stombaugh, Ray Stombaugh, Judy (Ray) Williams, Debbie (Tim) Aman, many grandchildren and survived by four sisters, Shirley Helsel, Marlene Cavender, Margorie Harper, and Janet Dorsch.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home - 1350 Commercial St SE, Salem OR. For those that cannot attend, it will be live-streamed (11:00 Pacific time). Graveside burial will immediately follow after the funeral, 12:30 at Belcrest Memorial Park at 1295 Browning Ave S, Salem, Oregon.
Memorials preferred to CAMA Services. Checks can be made to CAMA Services with "Hands of Honor" in memo line and can be sent to Debbie Aman's address or online giving at www.camaservices.org and click on "give now", then click on "a project you love" and click on "CAMA - Hands of Honor". "Hands of Honor" provides training and care for African girls and Melvin's family member leads this project. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at "[email protected]", may be sent to Debbie Aman, P.O. Box 511, Silverton, OR 97381, or may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Stombaugh family.
HOWELL, EDWARDS, DOERKSEN WITH RIGDON-RANSOM FUNERAL DIRECTORS
1350 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97302
BELCREST MEMORIAL PARK
1295 Browning Ave South
Salem, OR
Melvin Robert Stombaugh
DECEMBER 17, 1929 – DECEMBER 20, 2020
Obituary of Melvin Robert Stombaugh
Melvin Robert Stombaugh, age 91, of Keizer, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Melvin was born December 17, 1929 in Portage, PA (the year the stock market crashed). He was the 5th child out of 12 born to Albert and Agnes Stombaugh. Growing up he worked at a farm as it was financially difficult for his parents raising a large family. When Melvin was in junior high, he lost his brother, Albert Jr., to cancer. At age 17, with guidance from his brother Ray, Melvin gave his life to Christ and always said he was changed and never looked back.
After high school, Melvin graduated from St. Paul Bible College (currently Crown College) with a seminary degree. He met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Gunther, there. They were married on June 3, 1950 in a double wedding ceremony with Evelyn's sister, Harriet. Melvin and Evelyn began their life of service to the Lord building and pastoring churches. Their first church was in Garrison MN, followed by Glendive, MT, then Wadena, MN, and Spokane, WA. Melvin and Evelyn had 5 children. They moved to Salem, Oregon, so they could send their children to the Christian School, Salem Academy. The Stombaugh family began attending Salem Alliance Church which would remain the home church of Melvin and Evelyn for the rest of their lives. Melvin was involved in the leadership at Salem Alliance and impressed upon his family the importance of being involved in a community of believers. Melvin was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.
Melvin built many homes in the Salem area. He had several business partners throughout the years and also owned Stombaugh Construction. Helping people with his gift was just as important as making a living. It was not uncommon for him to build a house, making very little profit so that family could afford to own a house. He was always working alongside his children to help them in their construction businesses and with the building of their homes. He also used his talent on missionary trips building churches. He particularly enjoyed his trips abroad for that purpose. Melvin was very friendly, loved being with people, and always gave a warm handshake or hug. Melvin loved hunting, fishing, and participating in sports.
He was very competitive and loved watching his children play sports while they were growing up. For 23 years, Melvin and Evelyn were snowbirds to Yuma, AZ. He loved participating in the Senior Olympics there, where he earned over 400 medals. His favorite events were the punt, pass and kick. He always helped with the preaching at the local churches, with Evelyn at his side playing the piano. Faith, trusting in God, and love for others were his favorite topics to preach about. He was a man of prayer and when he prayed you felt the presence of God.
The last couple years of his life he battled dementia, which gave his family the opportunity to care for him as he had done so much for them. Even through that time, he still showed so much love to his family and blessed them in so many ways. Melvin is survived by his 5 children, Dave Stombaugh, Rich (Deborah) Stombaugh, Ray Stombaugh, Judy (Ray) Williams, Debbie (Tim) Aman, many grandchildren and survived by four sisters, Shirley Helsel, Marlene Cavender, Margorie Harper, and Janet Dorsch.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home - 1350 Commercial St SE, Salem OR. For those that cannot attend, it will be live-streamed (11:00 Pacific time). Graveside burial will immediately follow after the funeral, 12:30 at Belcrest Memorial Park at 1295 Browning Ave S, Salem, Oregon.
Memorials preferred to CAMA Services. Checks can be made to CAMA Services with "Hands of Honor" in memo line and can be sent to Debbie Aman's address or online giving at www.camaservices.org and click on "give now", then click on "a project you love" and click on "CAMA - Hands of Honor". "Hands of Honor" provides training and care for African girls and Melvin's family member leads this project. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at "[email protected]", may be sent to Debbie Aman, P.O. Box 511, Silverton, OR 97381, or may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Stombaugh family.
HOWELL, EDWARDS, DOERKSEN WITH RIGDON-RANSOM FUNERAL DIRECTORS
1350 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97302
BELCREST MEMORIAL PARK
1295 Browning Ave South
Salem, OR
DECEMBER 17, 1929 – DECEMBER 20, 2020
Obituary of Melvin Robert Stombaugh
Melvin Robert Stombaugh, age 91, of Keizer, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Melvin was born December 17, 1929 in Portage, PA (the year the stock market crashed). He was the 5th child out of 12 born to Albert and Agnes Stombaugh. Growing up he worked at a farm as it was financially difficult for his parents raising a large family. When Melvin was in junior high, he lost his brother, Albert Jr., to cancer. At age 17, with guidance from his brother Ray, Melvin gave his life to Christ and always said he was changed and never looked back.
After high school, Melvin graduated from St. Paul Bible College (currently Crown College) with a seminary degree. He met and married the love of his life, Evelyn Gunther, there. They were married on June 3, 1950 in a double wedding ceremony with Evelyn's sister, Harriet. Melvin and Evelyn began their life of service to the Lord building and pastoring churches. Their first church was in Garrison MN, followed by Glendive, MT, then Wadena, MN, and Spokane, WA. Melvin and Evelyn had 5 children. They moved to Salem, Oregon, so they could send their children to the Christian School, Salem Academy. The Stombaugh family began attending Salem Alliance Church which would remain the home church of Melvin and Evelyn for the rest of their lives. Melvin was involved in the leadership at Salem Alliance and impressed upon his family the importance of being involved in a community of believers. Melvin was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.
Melvin built many homes in the Salem area. He had several business partners throughout the years and also owned Stombaugh Construction. Helping people with his gift was just as important as making a living. It was not uncommon for him to build a house, making very little profit so that family could afford to own a house. He was always working alongside his children to help them in their construction businesses and with the building of their homes. He also used his talent on missionary trips building churches. He particularly enjoyed his trips abroad for that purpose. Melvin was very friendly, loved being with people, and always gave a warm handshake or hug. Melvin loved hunting, fishing, and participating in sports.
He was very competitive and loved watching his children play sports while they were growing up. For 23 years, Melvin and Evelyn were snowbirds to Yuma, AZ. He loved participating in the Senior Olympics there, where he earned over 400 medals. His favorite events were the punt, pass and kick. He always helped with the preaching at the local churches, with Evelyn at his side playing the piano. Faith, trusting in God, and love for others were his favorite topics to preach about. He was a man of prayer and when he prayed you felt the presence of God.
The last couple years of his life he battled dementia, which gave his family the opportunity to care for him as he had done so much for them. Even through that time, he still showed so much love to his family and blessed them in so many ways. Melvin is survived by his 5 children, Dave Stombaugh, Rich (Deborah) Stombaugh, Ray Stombaugh, Judy (Ray) Williams, Debbie (Tim) Aman, many grandchildren and survived by four sisters, Shirley Helsel, Marlene Cavender, Margorie Harper, and Janet Dorsch.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home - 1350 Commercial St SE, Salem OR. For those that cannot attend, it will be live-streamed (11:00 Pacific time). Graveside burial will immediately follow after the funeral, 12:30 at Belcrest Memorial Park at 1295 Browning Ave S, Salem, Oregon.
Memorials preferred to CAMA Services. Checks can be made to CAMA Services with "Hands of Honor" in memo line and can be sent to Debbie Aman's address or online giving at www.camaservices.org and click on "give now", then click on "a project you love" and click on "CAMA - Hands of Honor". "Hands of Honor" provides training and care for African girls and Melvin's family member leads this project. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at "[email protected]", may be sent to Debbie Aman, P.O. Box 511, Silverton, OR 97381, or may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Stombaugh family.
HOWELL, EDWARDS, DOERKSEN WITH RIGDON-RANSOM FUNERAL DIRECTORS
1350 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97302
BELCREST MEMORIAL PARK
1295 Browning Ave South
Salem, OR
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