Melvin Umphenour

Melvin Walter Umphenour died at his home in Cerritos, California on November 9, 2012. He was born to Walter and AnnaBelle Ralph Umphenour on June 3, 1925 at their home in Pleasanton, Kansas. He graduated from Pleasanton High School and attended Fort Scott JUCO for one year. Then, he entered the Army in 1944, serving in the 242nd Infantry as a light machine gunner. His duty took him to France, Germany and Austria. His Rainbow Division freed the first concentration camp at Dachau near Munich, Germany. After the Army, Melvin moved to California. He married Arvella Moody in 1947 in LasVegas, Nevada and divorced in 1970. He worked in the construction trade as a metal lather advancing to superintendent, working on many downtown buildings in Los Angeles. He became a business agent finishing his career as union Auditor in 1995. Much of Melvin''s time was devoted to the following: Order of the Eastern Star Los Angeles-25 year and 50 year member of Culver City Foshay Lodge; Illustrious Past Master of the She-Kinah Council of Southern California of Royal and Select Masters; Past High Priest of Los Angeles Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; Past Master of James A. Foshay Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and Lost Angeles GoldenWest Commandery; Knights Templar, 32nd degree lifetime member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Valley of Long Beach, Orient of California. He was an active member of the Grand Guardian Council of Bethel No 75 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters. Melvin had a gift for telling stories. He was a compassionate and giving person. Surviving are his sister, Cleda Fern Murray and brother, Edward Umphenour and 3 nieces and 6 nephews. He also leaves his special friend, Rosemary Legeary. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Pleasanton Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kansas. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Linn County Sharing Bucket c/o the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.schneiderfunerals.com http://www.schneiderfunerals.com Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton, Kansas.

Visitation Details

Friday, November 16th, 2012 10:00am - 11:00am, Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory Pleasanton Chapel

Service Information

Friday, November 16th, 2012 11:00am, Pleasanton Cemetery

Interment Details

Pleasanton Cemetery