Melvin Lee Thompson

Melvin Lee Thompson, age 90, of Eugene, OR, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on November 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Thompson (Father), mother and step-father, Gladys and Floyd Bolenbaugh, sister, Marion McCormick, and son, Daniel Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Thompson, two sons and one daughter, Rick (Kathy) Thompson, Sue (Monty) Luke, Mike (Tammy) Thompson as well as eighteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

Melvin was born May 27, 1935 in Corvallis OR. He graduated from Willamette High School. He married his wife, Roberta, of Springfield OR, on March 24, 1957. They lived in the Springfield area for six years, then moved to Santa Clara in Eugene, where they raised their four children in a family home that Melvin built. Melvin worked at Southern Pacific Railroad for forty years until his retirement.

Melvin was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After retirement, Melvin and Roberta served a one-year mission on a church farm in Ontario OR. Their assignment was to remodel a farmhouse and as an extra bonus, he improved the workers’ bunkhouse. For many years he enhanced and expanded Camp Alpine, a church sponsored girls camp near Monroe OR. On many occasions he played his bugle in the morning for the raising of the flag and in the evening to signal lights out, ending the girl’s day. He had many hobbies which included playing his harmonica around the campfire, woodworking, playing tennis, archery and was a gun enthusiast. Melvin and Roberta had a passion for travel. They traveled in their RV for months at a time across the United States. Melvin really enjoyed helping others. He was well loved by all those who were lucky enough to know him and he will be missed.

A memorial to celebrate Melvin’s life will be held on December 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm at West Lawn Memorial Funeral Home, 225 S Danebo Ave, Eugene, OR, 97402.