Mel was born March 20, 1927, in Ritzville, Washington, to Henry and Alma Schafer. He was the youngest of three children. He lived in Ritzville until the age of 7 when the family moved to Yakima.
He married Betty Wiseman in 1947 and they had two daughters, Linda (Vincent) Urlacher of Naches; and Susan Schafer Montalvo of Yakima.
On November 4, 1975, he married Ruscella "Rusty" (Sybouts) Watkins. Rusty preceded Mel in death October 15, 2010.
Mel served in the United States Navy being stationed in the Canary Islands where he trained to be a chef.
He joined his father as a carpenter establishing Western Lumber. Mel was a home contractor in the Yakima area for 55 years. He built the home where he and Rusty lived for 35 years.
Mel enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved camping, FISHING, hunting, snowmobiling and biking. His hobby was tying fishing lures which he marketed all over in different States. Mel and Rusty enjoyed traveling to the East Coast to visit family and loved the ocean.
Mel is survived by his first wife Betty Wiseman; his two daughters, Linda and Susan; granddaughters, Rebecca (John) Mears, Cinnamon (Jose) Lopez; and Aurora Grabill. His grandson, Greg (Jody) Gray; great grandchildren, Ashley Gray and Canela Lopez. Grand nephew, Jeff Schafer. Numerous brothers-in-Iaws and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Elmer; a sister Delores; and his wife Rusty of 35 years.
The family would like to "Thank" the nurses and aides of Memorial Hospital and Good Samaritan Rehab Center. Also, Mel's brother-in-law Gary Sybouts and lifelong friends, Joe and Betty Rohrich.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Children’s Village or Union Gospel Mission.
A graveside inurnment service will be held at Tahoma Cemetery on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. follow by a memorial service at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel on Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. To share a memory of Mel visit www.keithandkeith.com.
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