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Carl Jack Minear
World War II Veteran
June 27, 1923 - Feb. 18, 2000
DELTA - Carl Jack Minear, age 76, a heavy equipment operator and a resident of Delta since he was 12 years old, died on Friday, Feb. 18, 2000, at his home in Delta.
Carl Jack Minear, the son of Ansel and Christine (Harmon) Minear, was born on June 27, 1923, in Augusta, Kan. He spent his childhood in the San Luis Valley in Colorado until he was 12 years old and then moved with his family to Delta where he remained the rest of his life until the time of his death.
During World War II, Carl proudly served his country in the United States Marines from September of 1942 until 1945. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the ETO Ribbon with five Battle Stars.
He married Dixie Davis on May 5, 1956, in Delta, Colo. They were the parents of five children and were privileged to share 43 years of marriage last year in May.
Among Carl's loves in life that brought him happiness and pleasure were camping, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors.
Survivors so very grateful to share Carl's life are his wife, Dixie Minear, of Delta; two sons: Jim Minear, of Florida; David Minear and wife Debby, of Delta; and one daughter, Brenda and husband Karl Searle, of Fruita.
He was the proud and loving grandfather of six grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Merle Minear, of Hawthorne, Calif.; Ralph Minear, of Casper, Wyo.; and two sisters: Ruth Messano, of Delta; and Edna Hubbard, of Grand Junction.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Carl Wayne; one daughter, Rebecca; and three brothers: Frank, Fred, and E.Z.
Graveside Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Carl's life will be officiated by Tom Leach on Friday, Feb. 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the Delta City Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Delta County Hospice Project, In Memory of Carl Minear, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416.
William J. Melcher
World War II Veteran
Feb. 21, 1922 - Feb. 21, 2000
MONTROSE - Longtime Libby, Mont. resident, William J. Melcher, of Montrose, died on Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, in the Integrated Health Services at Delta on his 78th birthday.
William J. Melcher, the son of Woodbury R. and Ruth L. (Beadles) Melcher, was born on Feb. 21, 1922, in Chicago, Ill. He lived with his family in Perry, Fla. for three years and then moved with them to Asheville, N.C., where he spent the next 31 years of his life. After graduating from high school, he continued his education at North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C.
During World War II, William proudly served his country in the United States Navy from September of 1940 to October of 1946. During his military service he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, African-European Asian Pacific Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
He married Billie Sue Burleson on Aug. 22, 1947 in Asheville, N.C. They were the parents of three daughters and were privileged to share 52 loving years of marriage last year in August.
The Melchers moved to Libby, Mont. where they resided for 35 years before moving to Montrose.
Prior to his retirement, William was employed as an electrical engineer, mining engineer (safety director), and an EMT Master Trainer. He also served as an ambulance volunteer in Libby, Mont. for 27 years.
He was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Among William's many loves that brought much happiness and pleasure into his life were philosophy, reading, square dancing, teaching, being an EMT, First Aid training, and hiking.
Survivors so grateful to share William's life are his wife, Billie Sue Melcher, of Delta; three daughters: Sallie Melcher, of Portland, Ore.; Susan Melcher, of Montrose; Sandie Rucker, of Libby, Mont.; and six grandchildren.
Other family survivors include three sisters: Bette Cromwell, Jeanne Austin, and Mary Melcher, all of Montrose.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Woodbury and Ruth Melcher.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor William's life will be officiated by Montrose Hospice Chaplain Ken Backman on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. at the Delta Taylor Funeral Service Chapel. The service will conclude at the chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of William J. Melcher, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
Edwin S. McCracken
World War II Veteran
June 19, 1919 - Feb. 21, 2000
GRAND JUNCTION - Former Austin, Colo. businessman, Edwin Sterling McCracken, age 80, died on Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, at his home in Grand Junction.
Edwin Sterling McCracken was born on June 19, 1919 in Tascosa, Texas, the son of Judson and Serena (Cherry) McCracken. He spent his early childhood in Dalhart, Texas and later attended and graduated from the Saguache High School in Saguache, Colo. with the class of 1937. He continued to pursue his education by attending Colorado A & M College and the University of New Mexico.
Edwin married Roberta Jewell Mawson on Sept. 9, 1939 in Castle Rock, Colo. They were the parents of eight children and were privileged to share 60 loving years of marriage last year in September.
During World War II, Edwin proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Private. During his tour of duty with the U.S. Army, he served as the coach for the Army Football Team near the end of the war.
The McCrackens moved to Austin, Colo. in June of 1959 where Edwin started Red Hat Produce, working there until his retirement in 1974. The couple then moved to Grand Junction in 1991, where Edwin remained until the time of his death.
Edwin was a member of the Delta American Legion and Delta Elks Lodge No. 1235.
Among Edwin's loves in life that brought him much happiness were traveling and dancing.
Survivors so very grateful to share Edwin's life are his wife, Roberta McCracken, of Grand Junction; four sons: Luther S. McCracken, of Casa Grande, Ariz.; Richard W. McCracken, of Grand Junction; Vernon L. McCracken, of Delta; Edwin Irl McCracken, of Austin, Colo.; and four daughters: Coy J. Cornforth, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Marla K. Cinnamon, of Delta; Serena Powell, of Grand Junction; and Cheryl A. McCracken, of Topeka, Kan.
Edwin was the proud and loving grandfather of 21 grandchildren, and the great-grandfather of 29 great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Leo Hibler, of Fresno, Calif.; William Hibler, of Nevada City, Calif.; and one sister, Katherine Maloney, of Midwest City, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Judson and Serena McCracken.
Graveside Services in loving remembrance and to honor Edwin's life will be officiated by The Rev. Mark Bettinger on Friday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. in the Mesa View Cemetery
at Delta.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Delta County Livestock Scholarship Fund, In Memory of Edwin McCracken, c/o Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery, 682 1725 Rd., Delta, CO 81416, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery of Delta; (970) 874-8633.
Edith Louise Gleason
Retired Restaurant Chef
Jan. 24, 1933 - Feb. 19, 2000
MONTROSE - Edith Louise Gleason, age 67, a retired restaurant chef and a lifetime Montrose resident, died of a sudden illness on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000, at her home in Montrose.
Edith Louise Ripley, the daughter of William H. and Annabelle (Kile) Ripley, was born on Jan. 24, 1933, in Olathe, Colo., where she spent her childhood, received her education, and grew to adulthood.
Edith married Edward E. Gleason on June 18, 1950 in Montrose, Colo. After their marriage, they established their home in the Olathe area and later moved to Uravan in the West End of Montrose County. Edward was engaged in uranium mining and heavy equipment and Edith began her career of cooking in area restaurants.
In 1986, the couple moved to Redvale and in 1987 Edith moved back to Montrose where she made her home until the time of her death. In addition to working as a cook in the West End, Edith also worked in restaurants as a cook in Placerville, Ridgway, and at Sun Valley Truckstop in Montrose prior to her retirement in 1991.
She was a member of the Montrose Christian Church and the Menoken Christian Church, and belonged to the Colona Helping Hands Club and the Rebekah Lodge.
Besides working and raising her family, Edith especially loved and enjoyed being outdoors with her family fishing, which also included winter ice fishing. She enjoyed attending yard sales and playing cards with her many friends. Above all, Edith delighted in spending most of her time with her family, her children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Survivors so very grateful to share Edith's life are four sons: Edward Gleason Jr., of Ridgway; Franklin Gleason, of Farmington, N.M.; Jerald Gleason, also of Ridgway; Calvin Gleason, of Winnemucca, Nev.; two daughters: Brenda Hecht, of Montrose; Janet Bedker, of Aurora; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, Bill Ripley; and one sister, Edna Hubbs, both of Olathe.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Edward E. Gleason.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Edith's life will be officiated by Minister Alan Miller on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Menoken Christian Church, north of Montrose.
Interment will follow the service in the Norwood Cemetery
at Norwood, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
Clarence L. Fowler
Former Montrose Resident
Feb. 10, 1924 - Feb. 24, 2000
MARSHALL, Mo. - Former Montrose resident, Clarence L. Fowler, a resident of Marshall, Mo. for the past 40 years, died on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000, in the Fitzgibbon Hospital at Marshall 14 days after his 76th birthday.
Clarence L. Fowler, the son of Roy Fowler and Ruth Elliott Fowler Prottengier, was born on Feb. 10, 1924, in Montrose, Colo., where he spent his childhood, graduated from Montrose County High School, and grew to adulthood.
During World War II, Clarence proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He married Virginia M. "Jenny" Roberts on April 9, 1959. Clarence and Jenny would have shared 41 loving years of marriage this year in April.
Prior to his retirement in August of 1986, Clarence was employed as an engineer with the Missouri State Highway Department for over 39 years.
Clarence had made his home in Marshall, Mo., for the past 40 years until the time of his death.
Survivors so grateful to share Clarence's life are his wife, Jenny Roberts, of the family home in Marshall, Mo.; three sons: Mike Fowler and Chuck Fowler, both of Marshall, Mo.; Ronn Fowler, of Independence, Mo.; one stepdaughter, Sue Knop, of Louisburg, Kan.; and nine grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two sisters: Dorothy Utne, of Seaford, Va.; Julia Arndt, of Montrose; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Calvin Fowler; and one stepson, Allen Elliott.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 28, beginning after 8 a.m. at the Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 226 S. Odell Ave., Marshall, MO 65340; (660) 886-5700.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Clarence's life will be officiated by William W. Harlow on Monday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall.
Julie Lewis will serve as pianist.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Roy Haler, Bruce Utne, and Emory Arndt.
Pallbearers will be Gene Wallace, Bob O'Bryan, Gary Robb, John Sheffer, Jim Clause, and Carl Wise.
Interment will follow the service in the Ridge Park Cemetery
at Marshall, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarence L. Fowler Memorial Fund, c/o Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Marshall, Mo.
Thelma 'Polly' Brown
Hotchkiss Businesswoman
Nov. 19, 1913 - Feb. 21, 2000
HOTCHKISS - Thelma "Polly" Brown, a retired businesswoman and lifelong Hotchkiss resident, died on Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, in the Paonia Care & Rehabilitation Center at the age of 86.
Thelma Keough was born in Lazear, Colo. on Nov. 19, 1913, the daughter of Miles and Ida (Zimmerman) Keough. She spent her childhood, graduated from the Hotchkiss High School with the class of 1931, grew to adulthood, and lived her entire lifetime in Hotchkiss. After graduating from high school, she continued to pursue her education at Tempe Teacher's College in Tempe, Ariz.
Polly married Virgil Oscar Brown on June 20, 1934 in Hotchkiss, Colo. Polly and Virgil were the parents of one son and had shared 39 loving years of marriage at the time of Virgil's death on Aug. 22, 1973.
Prior to her retirement, Polly was the owner and operator of Brown's Grocery Store in Hotchkiss for 18 years.
She was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Hotchkiss and she loved and greatly enjoyed playing bridge and fishing.
Survivors include one son, Bruce Brown and wife Dana, of Bowie, Ariz.; two nieces: Charlotte and husband Howard Wilson, of Hotchkiss; Linda and husband Ted Jensen, of Las Vegas, Nev.; and one nephew, Harry Keough, also of Las Vegas, Nev.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virgil, Polly was also preceded in death by two brothers: Melvin and Wayne Keough.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Polly's life will be officiated on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Hotchkiss Taylor Funeral Service Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hotchkiss Public Library, In Memory of Polly Brown, P.O. Box 540, Hotchkiss, CO 81419, for the library large print section.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
Jennie Nylund Naff
Retired Nucla School Teacher
Sept. 1, 1911 - Feb 25, 2000
NUCLA - Lifelong Nucla resident and retired Nucla school teacher, Jennie Nylund Naff, age 88, died on Friday, Feb. 25, 2000. She had made her home in the Palisade Living Center at Palisade the last year of her life.
Jennie Nygren, the daughter of Swedish parents Edward and Matilda (Soderstrom) Nygren, was born on Sept. 1, 1911, on a farm on Second Park north of Nucla. She was the seventh of 12 children born to this farming couple. Jennie went to school on Second Park for the first eight years, then rode a horse from the farm to high school in Nucla.
She attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. for one year. In the fall of the next year she went to college at Western State College in Gunnison. On the Christmas break and after a two-week courtship, she and Fritz Nylund were married on Jan. 2, 1931.
In 1945 Jennie started her 32-year distinguished career as a teacher in the Nucla School System on an emergency teaching certificate. She taught in the elementary school several years then moved to the high school in 1954. In 1955 she received her Bachelor's degree and in 1964 she earned her Master's degree, receiving both from Western State College in Gunnison.
After 50 years of marriage, Jennie lost Fritz in 1981 to cancer. On her 74th birthday, in 1985, she married Ted Naff. They resided on the Nylund place in Nucla until Ted's death in January of 1999.
Jennie had many loves that brought her much happiness and satisfaction during her lifetime. She especially loved and delighted in teaching her students. She also loved and enjoyed being with her family, gardening, fishing, deer hunting, arrowhead hunting, camping, and traveling.
Survivors grateful to share Jennie's life are one son, Robert and wife Jean, of Nucla; one daughter, Betty and husband Vern, of Sandia Park, N.M.; six grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one sister, Anna Karo, of Nucla; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Hale & Gerken Funeral Home of Naturita; (970) 865-2818.
