Melvin Ray Abshier 

Melvin Ray Abshier

  Melvin Ray Abshier, 79, passed away on Feb. 7, 2018, in Safford with his children, Shawn Abshier and Dawn Romero by his side.

  He was born Sept. 16, 1938 in Bisbee, AZ, and moved to Alaska, where he grew up and graduated from Anchorage High School in 1959. He enlisted in the U.S. National Guard, serving from 1959-1966. During much of this time, 1960-1967, he worked on the Alaskan Railroad.

  Melvin married Patricia Johnson in 1963 and they became parents to Shawn Ray Abshier on Feb. 26, 1964. The family moved to Bisbee in 1967 and welcomed daughter Dawn Rae Abshier on Feb. 2, 1969.

  During the summer of 1969, the family moved to Kearny. Mel worked for Kennecott as an electrician until he retired in 1987.

  Mel enjoyed working on cars and helping others in his community. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and vacations with his children. His love for his kids has always been his greatest joy. He will be dearly missed by his kids, family and friends.

  His parents, Walter and Mary Abshier, precede him in death.

  A memorial service will be held at West End Cafe on March 10 at 2 p.m. Please come share your stories about Mel.