Melvin Martin Rubin

Melvin was born January 1, 1934 in Fairland, Oklahoma to Hulda Ida (Quandt) and Henry Julius Rubin. He was received into God’s grace by baptism on January 1, 1934 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairland, OK.

He moved with his family to Phoenix in 1936. Mel graduated from Phoenix Union High School in the class of 1952. He attended Phoenix College “night school” to earn credits in aerospace machining and drafting, and stopped taking classes two credits short of an Associate’s degree. Mel worked for several aerospace machine shops: Vernon Tool and Die, Mercury Tool and Die, and Aero Manufacturing, before starting his own shop, Future Fabricators.

Mel married Josie Kathryn Lary on March 12, 1955 in California. He was preceded in death by his beloved Josie on November 12, 1982.

Melvin was a long-time worshiper at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, at 3040 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix.

Mel had a lifelong love for camping, fishing, hiking and the great outdoors, sharing that love while raising four children. Mel also shared that love as a Lutheran Pioneer (youth organization) Leader, leading Paria Canyon Ranger hikes, a Voyageur canoe trip in Minnesota and Canada’s Boundary Waters, an Isle Royale hike in Lake Superior and Grand Canyon hikes with family. He completed several long distance charity bike rides. He was skilled in leather work and woodworking. He was a member of the Arizona Tooling and Machining Association – Lifetime Achievement honor.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: sisters Ruth (Fred DeVillers) and Velma (Bob Ludtke) and brother Bill (Ann).

He is survived by: children Ray (Julie) Rubin, Sun City, AZ; Connie (Jorge) Maestas, Wickenburg, AZ; Cathy (Mike) Mundstock, Phoenix, AZ; Mary (George) Diehl, Bagdad, AZ. Nine grandchildren (Jessica, Bradley, Brenna, Jean, Sara, Alec, Kayla, Brian Chris) living all around the world. Two great grandchildren (Chayla and Aiden) living in Washington state.

Mel is now reunited with Josie and is enjoying the presence of the triune God in heaven.

Gratitude goes to Hospice of the Valley, Thunderbird. Dad was their first patient in the new building. They have been wonderful.