Melvin Willms Obituary, Death Cause – Melvin J. Willms, who resided in Waterville, New York, passed away on March 5, 2023. He was 77 years old. Mel spent her childhood on the family farm located close to Farmer, Washington. His religious affiliation was with United Lutheran Church, and he received his education at Happy Home, a one-room school. After receiving his diploma from Waterville High School in 1963, he went on to complete his training at an automotive technology school in Spokane, Washington.
He and his brothers, who called themselves the “Willms Brothers,” performed music at a number of different dances and events. At his brother Alan’s house, on the evening of Christmas Eve, there was always music playing. He took pleasure in operating his ham radio, riding his snowmobiles, and driving his Corvette. He spoke on the phone for extended periods of time with his cousins Patricia in Spokane and Susan in Seattle on a regular basis.
Mel also filled in as a deputy for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Posse whenever they required his services. Mel was also extremely generous and participated in a wide variety of community organizations, including the Republican Central Committee and local veterans’ groups. Mel relished every moment of her existence. He was a devoted follower of Chet Atkins, and when he played his guitar, he managed to imitate the sound of Chet.
Mel served in the United States Army as a Communication Specialist and Signalman during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. He then extended his duty in the United States Army Reserves through 1971. After his discharge, he went back to his hometown and assumed responsibility for running the family wheat farm. Mel served in the military from 1965 to 1967. In Waterville, where he lived at the time, he was the owner and operator of both a Texaco station and a tire business.