Memorial service for Melroy A Syverson, 78, New Smyrna Beach FL who died Monday, October 29, 2012 will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church 485 Turnbull Bay Road New Smyrna Beach.
Melroy was born in Turtle Lake North Dakota. He moved to New Smyrna Beach from Umatilla, FL. He was graduated from North Dakota State University with a BS and served our nation during the Korean Conflict in the US Navy. Some of his notable cruises were in Korea, through the southern hemisphere, the Aleutian Islands which included being at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands November 1, 1952 when the first hydrogen Bomb was tested. He enjoyed antique collecting, traveling, reading and sports, especially college football. He was an avid NASCAR buff and UCF Knights fan. Mel held memberships at Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion in Turtle Lake, ND and the Republican Club.
In 1963, Mel & family moved to Titusville, FL where he began working at the Kennedy Space Center with Bendix Corp. In 1972 we decided to go into business for ourselves & purchased a Western Auto Store in Umatilla, FL. The boys adjusted well and all graduated from Umatilla High School. This was a good experience for our family. The 1970's proved to be tough for small business so in 1977 Mel went back to work at the Kennedy Space Center until his retirement in 1994. Jan also retired then from McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Company. Knowing we would be retiring, we had a lovely home built on 5 acres outside of Umatilla in 1990. Mel loved his acreage and worked every day to make it a beautiful place to live. Those were our best years.
In 2002 the five acres became more than we could take care of so we sold our home and moved to a townhouse New Smyrna Beach. What a change for Mel. Mel was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997 and the cancer and medications slowly taking his life away. After 17 chemo treatments in 2009, he made the decision to not take any more treatments. He felt, the treatments were worse than the cancer.
Mel is survived by his wife of 57 years Janice, sons Timothy and Cheri Syverson of New Smyrna Beach, Terry and Marieanne Syverson of Scottsmoor, Brent Syverson of Titusville, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Oscar Syverson, mother Mable Borg Syverson Forland and step father John Forland.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia Flagler 3800 Woodbriar Trail Port Orange FL 32119 or Trinity Lutheran Church 485 Turnbull Bay Road New Smyrna Beach FL 32168.
We're so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. It sounds like he was a very special person and a great father. Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Linnet (Borg) Wainwright
I was sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I know what a dear man he was. My sympathy to all of you.
Fritz
our prayers are with you at his time may god hold you in his hands and provide comfort in your loss. god bless you all.