Melvin Jonathan Durham

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Melvin Jonathan Durham who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Melvin was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Melvin knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Melvin was born on July 11, 1914 at the family home in Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. His parents were Hester Melvin and Margaret Anna Durham, but everyone called them Mel and Maggie. Melvin was raised in Pontiac, Illinois. Even as a youngster, Melvin learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Melvin was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Melvin was raised with three siblings. He had three brothers, Charles, Robert and Donald. Melvin had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Melvin, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Melvin's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Melvin enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked music, fishing, hunting, and collecting arrowheads.

      In school, Melvin was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. A logical and focused thinker, Melvin was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Melvin's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Pontiac High School in Pontiac, Illinois in 1932. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were sports and gym class.

      Melvin was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Melvin was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn't afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Melvin came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with Al Dauray. Ray Park, Pay Bell, Bob Spencer, and Jim Jones.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Melvin reveled in the security of his family. On October 5, 1940 Melvin exchanged wedding vows with Margaret Agnes Mary Durham at the Justice of the Peace of Burlington, Iowa. One of Melvin's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Melvin was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Melvin would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Melvin was blessed with four children, two sons, Jim and John, and two daughters Judy and Catherine. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Jennifer, Daniel, Jamie, Richard, Erin Michelle.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Melvin was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Melvin was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Melvin upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a professional musician, but also worked with major appliances. He was employed for Calstores and owned Don and Tom's Appliances. Melvin was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Melvin was an Army veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the 34th Infantry, serving in North Africa and Italy. Melvin saw action for World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars.

      Melvin approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was fishing. Melvin was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Melvin to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Melvin played basketball, football, and was involved with gymnastics. Recreational sports included basketball and golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

      A civic-minded person, Melvin was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Melvin was a member of several community groups, including serving as President of the Oldtime Fiddler's Association. During these years, Melvin applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Melvin could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn't a motivating force for Melvin; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included the California Traditional Music Society Award in 1996 and the Topanga Music Legend Award in 2003.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Melvin used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Melvin had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

      Melvin passed away on March 5, 2008 at Long Beach VA Hospice. He is survived by three children; Jim, John, and Judy, and five grandchildren; Jennifer, Daniel, Jamie, Richard, and Erin Michelle. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home of Bellflower, California. Melvin was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park, in Whittier, California.

      All who knew him would agree that Melvin was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Melvin Jonathan Durham did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.