Just got word (here in Colorado) of the passing of my dear friend Mel Pruitt.     My deepest condolences go out to all of Mel's family and his other friends, which I know are MANY.    Got to know Mel a long long time ago when I stopped in to Mel's Old West for a 25 cent beer on my way from Mariposa to Merced to go grocery shopping.     Well that tradition continued for many years.   Stopping for a cold one and a chat with Mel always made grocery shopping a much more pleasant experience.   That was because a visit with Mel was always an uplifting experience.     They guy was always so happy to see you.    He made sure your soul and belly were full before leaving.   His place reflected his big character and big happy soul.     I'd often return from the grocery store and share some fresh produce or something with him on my way back up to Mariposa.   I tried to repay the gifts he gave to me.     I did this for many years, and it sure made trips to Merced alot more enjoyable!    I'm glad I got to see him earlier this year on a visit back to my home in Mariposa.   He was ill then.   Boy I'm gonna miss Mel, and probably shed a tear the next time I pass his depot, next to the railroad tracks in Planada.    Hope he opens another such tavern in heaven.   If I'm so lucky, I'll stop in.    RIP Mel !! 

Mel , was the  type of person that was simply unforgettable ! I have known him for over 30 years ! He made everyone he met feel special. He had a genuine interest in everyone . Mel’s outlook was always positive ! He had a lot of life lessons to share . My husband and I enjoyed  taking our kids to “Mel’s” . They loved playing in the sawdust and we visited with Mel ... sat back and relaxed . 
Mel promised, when he retired,  he’d give me his potato salad recipe. I guess it was “top secret” , because he never shared it . 
The world has truly lost a good man . I’ll definitely miss Mel and remember the good old days at “ Mel’s Old West “. 

We are saddened by your passing Mel but we know that you are healed & with our Heavenly Father in heaven. You were loved by so many. You truly were a people person. You will be missed by all your family & friends. You will always have a special place in our hearts. We will miss your smile, laugh & your “listen here” talks. Until we see you again. With heavy hearts.  Greg & Debbie Copus

Today we say our goodbyes to you my friend.  But our hearts will be forever touched by your grace, your love for people, your even your stubbornness at times.  You were truly a gift from God to all that knew you.  Rest in Peace Mel.  You will never be forgotten.  You're forever in my heart. 

My heart is heavy hearing of Mel’s passing.  But I know he is now everyone’s new best friend up in Heaven.  He loved people so much, his Saloon with the 25 cent Beer out front was the perfect sign to get anyone and everyone to pull over and share a drink and some good conversation!    Truly one of a kind, Mel will be missed by the many many friends he made from all over the country!   Lots of Love to his family, from Dru in Louisiana 💞🙏🏼😥

A stop in to visit Mel was a mandatory part of every trip to Yosemite.  And we were honored that he asked us to help with his annual Juneteenth celebration.  Mel always shared cold beer, good bbq, words of wisdom, very entertaining stories, loads of laughs and friendship. RIP friend.

I will sure miss mel .visiting was a was never dull.he was always happy.he loved his family, friends and his old cars.the storeys and memorys will be with me forever...

What can I not say about  Mel.  Its been a week since you have left this earth. You are greatly missed, that smile, that laugh, and the phrase, "oh man". You had a big heart helping others, your home town, Planada community, the schools, and  especially  the less fortunate.  Peace to you and your family, remember the good times.

I was so blessed to recently meet my cousins M.B., Damon, and Letra for the first time! Family is everything! I know that he will be dearly missed. My dad, B.W. Rogers loved his cousin M.B. dearly. Continued prayers and love for the family!

Mel, you were a kind man and I always enjoyed visiting with you. Keep smiling until we meet again!

I still remember the first time i took my uncle's to have a .25 beer!  I went and asked Mel if the sign outside was still good and he said of course C'mon in! We talked cars and planada history,  definitely a one of a kind.. you will be missed! 

Mel was a loving caring man, I always loved coming home to Planada and seeing family friends and Mel, he was a part of our family and he will be missed. Mel would always put us up when we came in and always said he was gonna stop by a see us when he went home to Lousianna, Mel was a Planada Fixture and was well loved and will be sorely missed especially on Juneteenth that was Mel's Day. RIP my friend I will see you when I get there!!

Mel,
I loved visiting with you and the love you always gave me and my family. Thank you for the memories! You will be so missed.  

What great memories my sister and I have of Mel and the restaurant/bar. He always took care of us and let us “play” restaurant (really got to serve and cook) while our mom worked on his taxes. Those memories of Mel will be cherished forever. 

Mel you will truly be missed.  Your laugh and smile were always a blessing when you would come pick up your mail at the post office. If I was down you always knew how to make me smile.  Rest in peace my dear friend.   Love Marla H Sydnor

Thanks for the great memories Mel! Your kindness & humor will never be forgotten my friend. See ya in Paradise for more great times!! 

Rest in Peace Mel.  You always had time for a friend and will be deeply missed by many.

Mel was the sweetest and most kind person I have known. My son Adam and I loved him very much. He let me drive his baby back in 2016. This is Adam and Mel enjoying the car show. 

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OBITUARY

Melvin Boyd Pruitt

November 20, 1943 – July 1, 2018

Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home

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