Melvin Dale Huffman was born March 17th, 1937 to Dan and Pauline (Tuma) Huffman in rural Decatur, Nebraska.
He passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010, at his residence in Decatur, at the age of 73 years.

He attended Ball School and Decatur Public Schools.  He then went to work on the pipe line, in construction, and owned his own truck.

In the early 60s, Melvin moved to Longmont, Colorado where he worked for Ball Brothers.  There he built the first camera on the Lunar Rover that was first to go to the moon.  He loved trips to the mountains, fishing, moose hunting, and excursion trips in his jeep.

Melvin returned to Decatur in the early 70s to work in the welding shop with his father.  Later, he expanded in his own business, D & M Radiator.  Previous businesses he owned and operated were 73 Café and Mel’s Place.  He also sold seed corn. 

On September 17th, 1978, Melvin was married to Melva (Hankins) Phelps in Elko, Nevada.  He loved the challenge of creating something new, whether it was with wood or metal.  He enjoyed helping everyone, and especially loved cooking during Riverfront Days.  He was a member of the NRA and Moose Lodge in Longmont.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dan and sister, Betty Zerbest.

He is survived by his wife, Melva; step-children, Steve Phelps of Merrell, Iowa, Julie (Keith) Miller, James (Beth) Phelps, all of Decatur; mother, Pauline, Lyons, Nebraska; sister, Bonnie (Harold) Bacon, Lyons; brothers, Doyle (Cheryl)  Huffman, Lyons, Dan (Jennifer) Huffman, Onawa, Iowa; nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Decatur Restoration Branch, Hwy 51/75 or 913 Fourth Avenue

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur

VISITATION: Tuesday 4 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 - 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: To the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com