Melville Richard Vermillion (No Services)

The curtain came down one last time on March 3, 2018 for Melville Richard Vermillion - a one-man act. He began his journey in Akron, Ohio on October 11, 1948. Born to Harry Victor and Rosalie Ellen, he shared the spotlight with his sisters Sue and Harriet and brothers Harry Evan and Joe. He would say he was the black sheep of the family but those who knew him would say he was more than colorful.

Mel had a son named Melville Richard Vermillion on July 4, 1972 in Akron. Baby Mel, as the family lovingly refers to him as, was born prematurely and would sleep on Mel's chest for the first couple of months so he could "keep an eye on him". Mel made the difficult decision to move to Colorado in the mid 80's to be closer to family and started working as a tree trimmer for Rocky Mountain Tree Experts.

He met his future wife on a blind date set up by his brother Harry Evan's wife, Deb. The two hit it off immediately and were married soon after. They decided to move to Linda Marie's hometown Wray, Colorado where they continued to pain the town red, until the birth of their daughter, Abagail Marie Vermillion on February 2, 1989.

Mel held a few job titles while in Wray. Most knew him as the delivery driver/dishwasher/pizza maker for the Pizza Factory and the Garbage man for the City of Wray. During his time on the trash truck he loved getting cookies around Christmas and kept dog bones in his pockets for dogs who barked at " all the different noises the truck makes".

He would retire after 15 years on the truck and ended up in Kansas by way of Oz. Mel loved to sit with friends and family telling stories that we are sure were at least 50% true. He loved music and even sang in a band back in the day with his brothers Harry Evan and Joe. Later on, only his beloved plants, cats and dogs knew if he could still carry a tune. He was always very proud of his children and granddaughters Madalynn Vermillion, Zoey and Delilah Ward, which he loved to brag about to anyone who would listen.

Mel was fortunate enough to spend time with some family and friends and even give Abby's hand away in marriage on March 2, 2018. A great final act of love and devotion.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Victor and Rosalie Ellen, brother Harry Evan, cousin Gerald Thomas (Tom) Shaffer and wife Linda Marie Olsen Vermillion.

Mel would want all of you to continue sharing your adventures and music with him, but mostly to raise a cold beer, Irish Whiskey or Scotch, preferably free, in honor of our latest sky pilot. To Major Tom's second in command - here's to you Mel!

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.