Melvin Leroy Vevera

Mel Vevera, founder of "The Wild Bunch", was born in Iowa City, Iowa to Melvin J. Vevera and Thelma Barlow. He passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022, in Palm Coast, Florida.

In his youth he enjoyed fishing with his father, being an Eagle Scout, football and fast-pitch softball. After graduating from Iowa City High School, he joined the Navy where he honorably served as a Signalman on the U.S.S. Merrick during the Korean War. After his time in the Navy, Mel attended the University of Iowa where he received a B.S. in Physical Education. During this time he worked as a "Campus Cop". Then as a City of Iowa City Police Officer, he met, and later married, Patricia L. Baloun ("the girl with mega freckles on her knees") on July 24, 1964 in Chicago, IL. They were happily married for 58 years. Mel and Trish were blessed with 4 children , Pamela, Brad, Matthew and Bryan. In addition to his own children, he became a surrogate "father" to eleven exchange students from many countries that his family hosted in their home over the years, along with several of the neighborhood kids.

In 1973, Mel and his family relocated to central Illinois where Mel received his M.A. and Advanced Certificate in Secondary and Continuing Education. He worked as an Associate Professor at the Police Training Institute/University of Illinois. Mel taught firearms and "street" techniques- showing the new recruits how to do it the "right" way.

Throughout his life, Mel enjoyed many activities including golf, fishing, camping, fast-pitch softball, community theatre, horseshoes, traveling, square dancing, metal detecting, coaching little league, playing the ponies, goin' "na" beach, old cowboy movies, watching sports (especially the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Braves) and enjoying a good meal, his favorite being Czech roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut with rhubarb pie for dessert.

Mel was a member of the American Legion, Czechoslovak Society of America,Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, N.A.R.F.E. and St. Mary Catholic Church .

Along with his wife, Mel is survived by daughter Pamela Vevera (Richard Negrón); sons, Bradley, Matthew (Ann-Christine) and Bryan; grandchildren, Carla (Negrón), Austin, Matilda, Kaipo and Kainoa; great-granddaughter Mia (Reyes).

Mel was an outgoing, loving family man with a great outlook on life. Good, honest and hardworking- a man who believed in everyone! He once said that "Life isn't always fair, but that no matter how unfair things may seem, life goes on".

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, staff and administration at Advent Hospital Palm Coast for their loving care of Mel during his final days.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 24, 2022, 11:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 230 S. Old Dixie Hwy, Bunnell, FL. 32110. We will be offering the option to attend the service via Zoom. If you would like the link, please email [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please send donations (payable to) to Knights of Columbus #11961, 230 S. Old Dixie Highway, Bunnell, FL 32110 (Attn: Parish Office) or Ormond Beach Lions Club Foundation P.O. Box 1912 Ormond Beach, FL 32175.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Vevera family.