Melvin J. Greaves, Jr.

Melvin J. Greaves, Jr., 72, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014 after a twenty-one year long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born to Melvin and Bertha Pitcher Greaves on Dec. 11, 1941 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.  As a child, he lived in Preston, Idaho, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and Logan, Utah.  He earned a B.S. Degree from Ohio State University and a Masters Degree from Utah State University.  Melvin served in the U.S. Army from 1963-67 being assigned to Fort Bliss Texas, Korea, Germany and Fort Campbell Kentucky.

Upon completion of his military service, Melvin met Dianne Jensen in Preston, Idaho.  They were married in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on Dec. 19, 1967.  In their early years, they lived in Cleveland, Ohio where Melvin worked as a accountant for Ernst & Ernst.  In 1977, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he worked as the Budget Director for the Anchorage School District and later as Chief Financial Officer.  The family home was three miles up the mountainside in a wooded setting.  The family will always cherish the joys of living in such an adventurous and beautiful place.  In 1993, the family moved to Centennial, Colorado where Melvin served as a finance administrator for the Cherry Creek School District until he retired in 2002.  He spent his final years in his home, where Dianne tirelessly cared for him and where children and grandchildren were always found.

Melvin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in many callings, including Stake Clerk, Stake High Councilor, Stake Sunday School President, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader and as a bishopric counselor.  He gave many talks in church.  Melvin was an avid reader (particularly of military history) his entire life.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Dianne; his five children, Sheila (Andy) Tuitele; John (Tanja) Greaves; Daniel (Cami) Greaves; Amelia (Ken) Jach; David (Jane) Greaves; by his 17 grandchildren; and by his siblings, Tom (Vylee) Greaves and Janet (Eric) Smith. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho.  Friends may call Saturday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Military rites and interment will be held in the Preston Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com