A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mel grew up in Levelland and later lived in Corpus Christi. He attended South Plains Junior College and Tarleton State University. On July 13, 1968, he married Martha in Colorado City, Texas, and together they built a devoted family and life in Central Texas.
From June 1969 to May 1973, Mel served his country in the Air Force with postings that included Udorn, Thailand, Lowry AFB, and Bergstrom AFB. He went on to spend more than 40 years with the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board, earning various awards for his service to land and water stewardship. He also served as president of the Pendleton Water Board. Earlier in life he worked as a coach and educator, reflecting his lifelong desire to teach and mentor.
A true plantsman and outdoorsman, Mel was active in a Cactus Club, enjoyed collecting fishing lures, and was a member of the NRA. His prized cacti and succulents won numerous awards, and he was later invited to serve as an honorary judge. He was happiest outside, tending his beloved plants.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Davis; daughter, Mindy Davis; son, Mike Davis and his wife, Hilary; grandchildren, Lacy Marion and her husband, Blake, Cada Davis and her fiancée Charlie Hughes, and Cash Davis; great-grandchild, Rhett Marion; and sisters, Nan Loeffler and Denise Parsons. He was preceded in death by his parents.
