GarnerMelvin Garner, 78, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, in Flagstaff with his family at his side. There will be a viewing from 5 to 7 o’clock tonight (Oct. 22) at Greer’s Mortuary in Winslow. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the First Baptist Church in Winslow. Friends and family are invited to attend a potluck luncheon immediately following the graveside services at the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Warren Avenue. He was the youngest of five children born to the late Joseph Carl and Hazel Garner on July 1, 1936, in Chadron, Neb. He was raised in Garner Canyon and later on a family ranch called Gamen Ranch, where he raised goats. Mel learned to play the piano, violin and mandolin from his father. He was an All State basketball player, well known for his hook shot, and was voted Homecoming King. After graduating from high school, Mel began working for Burlington Northern in Alliance, Neb., as a fireman. In 1958, he joined the National Guard in Fort Ord, Calif. Shortly after, Mel moved to Winslow to work for the Santa Fe Railway. It was at that time that he met the love of his life, Edna Thompson. Mel and Edna married in 1960. Shortly after that, he was drafted into the Army and served active duty. At the end of his service, he returned to Winslow, his family and Santa Fe Railway. Mel retired in 1999 after 42 years of service as a BNSF engineer. He devoted his life to his family, friends, children and grandchildren. He and Edna volunteered countless hours with the Winslow Little League. He coached teams of all ages over the span of 25 years. After retiring, he spent the last 15 years living in his motorhome, both traveling and working as a camp host. He spent the last four years as an employee of the U.S. Forest Service while working closer to home out at Blue Ridge Ranger Station. Survivors include four sons, Gary (Joi), Mont (Diane), Wayne (Jodie) and Michael (Tami); and one daughter, Melody. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one due in November. He is also survived by one brother, Ben Garner, as well as countless other extended family and friends, who were special to him in many ways. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; his son, Denver Joe; his mother and father; and three brothers.