Melvin E. Mullennax
Melvin E. Mullennax
Melvin E. Mullennax
December 15, 1936 – April 17, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 79
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Melvin Eugene Mullennax was ushered into the presence of his Savior on the afternoon of Sunday, April 17th, 2016, while surrounded by family and in the care of the Hospice Serenity House. Melvin was born on December 18th, 1936 to Ocie and Dorothy Reeves Mullennax of Nebraska City, NE.
Melvin spent his childhood in Nebraska City, until he joined the United States Army at 17 years old. During his time in the U.S. Army he served as a cook, and later as a military police officer on the Enewetak Atoll during the Korean War, where multiple nuclear tests were taking place.
After the Korean War ended, Melvin returned to Nebraska and met Ramona Neeman. Melvin and Ramona were married on August 19th, 1956 in Douglas, NE.
Melvin went to work for Northern Natural Gas, which later became Enron. Melvin and Ramona moved around the Midwest with his work, raising their four children, before retiring from Enron and settling in Oskaloosa, IA in 1987.
During his “retirement” years, he went on to work at Rolscreen (now known as Pella Corp.), Central College, Maple Ridge Assisted Living (now known as Homestead of Oskaloosa), and started a small painting business that carried his last name.
In his personal life Melvin was heavily involved with the Methodist Church, served two terms as Mayor of Colfax, IA, was a member of Kiwanis International, volunteered as a leader in Boy Scouts of America, coached his granddaughter’s softball team, aided in the construction of the Edmundson Wooden Park, volunteered maintenance work at East Iowa Bible Camp, and painted for Habitat of Humanity on occasion.
Melvin and Ramona became members of Fellowship Bible Church of Oskaloosa, IA in 1990, and have been members since. Melvin was a faithful greeter at their church for many years, offering not only bulletins and a warm smile, but also hugs to anyone who needed one. His hugs were ones of healing and could be felt at the heart. He was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and humbly serving others. It was this character that inspired him to make numerous rocking horses, rocking chairs, and other wooden gifts for those in his life. Many young couples in his church who welcomed a new child, family friends, or those closest to him of his family are proud owners of one (or many) of Melvin’s works. Melvin loved the Lord and strived to allow his life to be a reflection of God’s transformative power and grace.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Ramona (Neeman) Mullennax; daughter, Mona (& Jim) Van Zomeren of Oskaloosa; son, Mel (& Shari) Mullennax of Glenwood; son, Doug (& Sharon) Mullennax of Glenwood; son-in-law, Virgil Houdesheldt of Liberty, MO; as well as many adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Of his original family he leaves his brothers, Chris (& Bonnie) Mullennax of Wyoming, MI; and Bob Mullennax of Nebraska City, NE.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Nona Mae Houdesheldt; parents, Ocie and Dorothy Mullennax; and siblings: Clifford Mullennax, Belva Barton, and Ed Mullennax.
Melvin was loved deeply by his family as he lived out a testimony of faithfulness, love, service, and strength.
Private family burial will be in Union Mills Cemetery, north of New Sharon.
An open Celebration of Life service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Friends and those who wish express their sympathies are welcome and encouraged to attend the Celebration of Life service.
If you are a recipient of one of Melvin’s wooden pieces of work, we welcome photos to share at the service!
Cards and condolences can be sent to Ramona Mullennax at Post Office 207, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Oskaloosa Hospice Serenity House in honor of Melvin, for their outstanding care and service.
