Melvin Okief Astle

Melvin Astle passed away with many of his loved ones at his side on November 1, 2020. Mel was born on January 4, 1926, to Tennie Elvon and John Astle in Afton, Wyoming. He grew up in Aurora and Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from South High School, where he played basketball and football. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served in World War II as a gunner on a troop transport ship, which carried soldiers to fight on South Pacific islands. The ship also brought home U.S. soldiers who had been prisoners of war in the Philippines. The men in the ship’s hospital asked him to stand for a minute so they could admire him in his dress uniform as they entered San Francisco Bay.

He met Sally Hart, who was volunteering for the USO on Boston Commons, and they were married in Dedham, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1946. Sally later became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on February 24, 1948.

Melvin was an excellent carpenter and cabinet maker for several years, until he landed his dream job of salesman. He was the top salesman for Mosler Safe Company for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with Sally. They were known for their daily hand-in-hand walks about the neighborhood. He was also proud of his family and often said how amazed he was that so many loved ones started with just the two of them.

He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including temple worker, hospital branch worker, youth leader, Sunday School teacher, High Priest Group leader and most recently as 11-Year Old Scout leader with his friend Reid Tranter. They were great friends with the boys and taught them how to build wooden toolboxes.

Melvin is survived by four children, Nancy (Cecil) Black, Janet Dangerfield, Michael (Chieko) Astle, and Paul (Cindy) Astle; 16 grandchildren, Spencer, Jason, Andrea, Nathan, Lindsay, Amy, Daniel, Jennifer, Jamie, John, Sara, Heather, Tiffany, Amanda, Megan, and Marcus; and 43 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. He will be interred at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery next to Sally following the services.

The funeral will be attended by family only, but will be streamed live for the public. The link to the service is at the top of this page.