Melvin Everett Thornburg

Passed away February 28, 2015 at his home in Wellpinit, WA. Mel was born on April 12, 1934 in Fruitland, WA to Melvin J. and Clara (Cooper) Thornburg. He grew up in the Fruitland area and attended school. He later met and married Patricia Ann Strom and they were married on August 2, 1952 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. The family moved to the Wellpinit area where Mel was a long haul truck driver for 30 years and then later drove log truck in the Wellpinit area before retiring. Mel is survived by his wife Patricia at the home, three children Vicki (and Tom) Reifert, Steve and Karla) Thornburg and Greg (and Sandy) Thornburg along with nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mel also has two brothers George and Rick Thornburg and three sisters Lola Gumm, Sharon Yepa and Peggy Frostad along with numerous nieces and nephews. Mel is preceded in death by his parents and one son Randy in 2013, one brother LeRoy Thornburg and a sister Sonya Thornburg. Mel is a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. A rosary will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Chapel of Strate Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, West End of the Spokane Indian Reservation with Father Roy Floch, officiating. Please sign the online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVNPORT, WA is caring for the family.