Melvin Lyle Vang, 85, of Mills, Wyoming passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Wyoming Medical Center in the presence of his family.
Mel was born in Wolbach, Nebraska to Ethan and Gwen Vang on July 13, 1938 the third of four boys. Mel moved to Wyoming to work in the gas hills and oil fields at the age of 18. He was never a day without work. He became a top-notch mechanic at Rocky Mountain Motors Volkswagen, where he earned a reputation for fixing anything for his loyal customers. One of his Volkswagen customers referred him to Little America Refinery where he worked for 31 years until his retirement.
Mel met his wife, Lula, at a dance at the Wagon Wheel, and they were married in 1961. Their son, Gary, was born in 1967, and daughters, Janice, in 1969, and Susan in 1972. Mel loved living in Wyoming, enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. Mel loved to dance, especially the Jitter Bug - every wedding and family event - his nieces would line up for a chance to dance with Uncle Mel. He was a phenomenal gardener, growing green beans, squash, corn on the cob, tomatoes - and Mel kept the whole neighborhood in zucchini! He and Lula spent their retirement traveling in their fifth-wheel chalking up 65,000 miles across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed, Bob, and Clayton; and daughter, Janice Kay Vang-Todd.
Mel is survived by his wife, of 62 years, Lula; son, Gary (Debra); daughter Susan (Brett) NeVille; grandsons, Corey Vang; Ryan and Matthew Smith; great-granddaughter, Evelyn; grand-dog, Charlie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No service will be held at Mel's specific instructions. We love you, Dad. This Pabst's is for you!
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