Melvin Lee Voorheis

Melvin Lee Voorheis, 77, of Bartlett, TN passed away unexpectedly on the morning of September 19, 2026. He was born in Montour Falls, NY, of the late Myrtle Electa (Usher) Voorheis and Lyle Robert Voorheis.

He is now reunited with his wife, Judy Elaine (Goldsmith) Voorheis. They have seven children: Vincent (Sarah) Voorheis, Melinda Voorheis Stevenson, Elizabeth (Jason) Adams, Jason Voorheis (deceased), Christopher Voorheis (deceased), Amy Lorraine Voorheis (Bopp), and Jeffrey Voorheis. His grandchildren are Joshua Wager (deceased), Katylyn Adams, Jeremi Adams(Chelsea Breed)

and Roen Esmé Voorheis.

Melvin is one of many siblings and is survived by his sister Sandra Christiansen. He was predeceased by siblings, Wayne (Florence) Voorheis (deceased), Bonnie Covington (deceased), Joyce (Lee) Newhart (deceased), Marilyn Cooper (deceased), Carl (Sharon) Voorheis (deceased), and Arlene Reddick (deceased).

He grew up in Trumansburg, NY, where he excelled in track and field, dramatic arts, drawing and painting, and history, among other things. After high school, he went across the country to achieve his Bachelor of Arts degree, with majors in History and Dramatic Arts at Brigham Young University in Utah, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Judy, who was also attending BYU.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he loved serving in various roles and positions within the church. He was active and interested in genealogy research and doing Temple work. He loved history and road trips and enjoyed discussing and joining in these with close family. He enjoyed playing sports on the church teams, acting, singing in the church choir, and set design, as well as participating in various shows over the years put on by the church and high schools.

Mel served briefly as an Ensign in the United States Navy in Pensacola, FL, but for the majority of his career, Melvin owned and operated his own business as a licensed insurance agent and broker. After he sold his business, he decided to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a history teacher. After the age of 50, he went and earned his master’s degree and went on to teach at Newfield and Dryden High Schools in NY, and in Bartlett, TN. He taught history, english, economics and even a course he created for dramatic arts: set design and building and for a while he also served as the senior class advisor and yearbook supervisor at Newfield.

Melvin loved spending time with close family and friends. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4195 Kirby Whitten Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38135. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local historical society.