In Memory Of
Melvin L. Qualls
1929
2017
Melvin L. Qualls
September 25, 1929 — October 24, 2017
Melvin L. Qualls, 88, of Cheyenne, WY died on October 24 in Cheyenne.
He was born September 25, 1929 in Wheatland, WY to Bill and Emma Qualls. He married Jeanne M. Luck on August 8, 1954 in Wheatland. This marriage was blessed with three children: Martin, Diane (deceased at 8 days) and Julie. After 21 years of happy marriage, Jeanne died of pancreatic cancer at age 43. About one year after her death he married Paula G. Lewis (a widow) with three children: Mike, Pat and Karen. This marriage took place in Cheyenne on May 28, 1977.
Mel was an industrious lad in [his] early years, working such jobs as a paperboy, lawn mowing, shoe shine boy (barber shop), theater movie projectionist and during college years: wheat farm worker, groundman-lineman (REA), and pipeline worker.
After graduating from Wheatland High, he enrolled at the University of Wyoming. His second year of college was interrupted by the Korean War. His National Guard Unit (141st Tank Battalion) was activated on the 11th day of September, 1950. After completing his enlistment he received an honorable discharge from both the US Army and the National Guard, leaving the service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then returned to college on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Education in 1954.
He found his interest to be in the field of Engineering, thus took a job as a Road Design Draftsman at the WY Department of Transportation. Through training and education, he rose through the ranks to a Sr. Engineer in the Planning Branch. After 31 years at WYDOT, he retired at age 65, on June 30, 1994.
Mel came to Cheyenne from Wheatland in 1955: liking the small town atmosphere of Orchard Valley, he bought a lot and with the help of his Dad, built his first home on Park Ave. He was very active in the O.V. Community Assn. serving on the Board of Directors in various capacities through the years. After marrying Paula, he contracted to have a second house built on S. 5th Ave that was big enough to accommodate their combined family. He lived in Orchard Valley for over 60 years.
During his college years he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Order of Eastern Star, past member of the Cheyenne Shrine Club (Clown Patrol) and Moose Lodge, member of the 1st Presbyterian Church (where he ushered for many years), was an adult leader in Boy Scouts (seeing his son Martin being awarded the Eagle Scout Badge), was a volunteer worker at CRMC, and served two terms as president of the State Employees Retirement Group (S.E.R.G.). He was very active in Masonic youth activities where he served as an adult advisor on both boys and girls organizations. His three boys each rose to the office of Master Councilor in DeMolay and his two daughters were Honored Queens in Jobs Daughters.
He is survived by his wife, Paula; His sons Martin Qualls (Valarie) of West Point, UT, Mike Lewis (Susan) of Cheyenne, Patrick Lewis (Mary) of Cheyenne, daughters: Julie McDermott (Bill) of Villanova, PA, Karen Nestorick (Justin) of Carter, MT, sister Alanna Loftus (Nolan) of Ogden, UT; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, an infant daughter and granddaughter Jenna Qualls King.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Cheyenne Early Childhood Language Clinic, care of the Scottish Rite at 1820 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Condolences may be left at www.wrcfuneral.com
He was born September 25, 1929 in Wheatland, WY to Bill and Emma Qualls. He married Jeanne M. Luck on August 8, 1954 in Wheatland. This marriage was blessed with three children: Martin, Diane (deceased at 8 days) and Julie. After 21 years of happy marriage, Jeanne died of pancreatic cancer at age 43. About one year after her death he married Paula G. Lewis (a widow) with three children: Mike, Pat and Karen. This marriage took place in Cheyenne on May 28, 1977.
Mel was an industrious lad in [his] early years, working such jobs as a paperboy, lawn mowing, shoe shine boy (barber shop), theater movie projectionist and during college years: wheat farm worker, groundman-lineman (REA), and pipeline worker.
After graduating from Wheatland High, he enrolled at the University of Wyoming. His second year of college was interrupted by the Korean War. His National Guard Unit (141st Tank Battalion) was activated on the 11th day of September, 1950. After completing his enlistment he received an honorable discharge from both the US Army and the National Guard, leaving the service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then returned to college on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Education in 1954.
He found his interest to be in the field of Engineering, thus took a job as a Road Design Draftsman at the WY Department of Transportation. Through training and education, he rose through the ranks to a Sr. Engineer in the Planning Branch. After 31 years at WYDOT, he retired at age 65, on June 30, 1994.
Mel came to Cheyenne from Wheatland in 1955: liking the small town atmosphere of Orchard Valley, he bought a lot and with the help of his Dad, built his first home on Park Ave. He was very active in the O.V. Community Assn. serving on the Board of Directors in various capacities through the years. After marrying Paula, he contracted to have a second house built on S. 5th Ave that was big enough to accommodate their combined family. He lived in Orchard Valley for over 60 years.
During his college years he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Order of Eastern Star, past member of the Cheyenne Shrine Club (Clown Patrol) and Moose Lodge, member of the 1st Presbyterian Church (where he ushered for many years), was an adult leader in Boy Scouts (seeing his son Martin being awarded the Eagle Scout Badge), was a volunteer worker at CRMC, and served two terms as president of the State Employees Retirement Group (S.E.R.G.). He was very active in Masonic youth activities where he served as an adult advisor on both boys and girls organizations. His three boys each rose to the office of Master Councilor in DeMolay and his two daughters were Honored Queens in Jobs Daughters.
He is survived by his wife, Paula; His sons Martin Qualls (Valarie) of West Point, UT, Mike Lewis (Susan) of Cheyenne, Patrick Lewis (Mary) of Cheyenne, daughters: Julie McDermott (Bill) of Villanova, PA, Karen Nestorick (Justin) of Carter, MT, sister Alanna Loftus (Nolan) of Ogden, UT; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, an infant daughter and granddaughter Jenna Qualls King.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Cheyenne Early Childhood Language Clinic, care of the Scottish Rite at 1820 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Condolences may be left at www.wrcfuneral.com
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