Mel passed away June 25, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Salt Lake City, to Lester and Ida Wright. He married Shirlee Breeze Oct. 30, 1947; their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple. Shirlee died in February of 1977. He then married Cherie Jones on July 18, 1978; their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple. Mel served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific. He was proud to serve on an LST. He was a member of the LDS Church, serving in many callings, including missions with Cherie in Albuquerque, N.M., and on Salt Lake Temple Square. He loved anything to do with family. Mel was a special man who accepted everyone for who they were and never judged. He was a special father to four lucky daughters and three step-children. He loved them all. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Cherie;children, Leslie (Craig) Dahl, Lynne (Bill) McKnight, Lisa (Kelly) Oldham, Lori (Tracy) Allen, Cheryl (Craig) Michaelis, Allison (Mark) Howard, and Justin (Mindi) Rose; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirlee; parents; brothers, Jack and Glen; and granddaughter, Stephanie Smith. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Taylorsville LDS 1st Ward, 4845 South Woodhaven Drive. Viewings will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 30, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, in Taylorsville, and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior to service at the church. Interment - Redwood Memorial Estates. Nickname:"Mel"Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:Murray, Utah