Melvin Nordyke

Melvin Lee Nordyke, 77, passed away Tuesday, April 15, at the Regent Court in Corvallis. Mel was born at home on Aug. 11, 1930, in Glendale Ariz., to Frank and Alice Nordyke. In his early years, his family spent time farming in both Blodgett and Glendale. He left high school and, in 1950, joined the Navy. While proudly serving his country in the Korean conflict, he spent time in Japan. While on leave, he married his high-school sweetheart, Beverly Ann Harmsen, in Nashville on June 15, 1952. In 1954, at the end of his military service, he got his GED. In the following eight years, he was a milkman for Meadowland and Sunnybrook dairies. In order to make a better life for his family, Mel decided to go to college. He completed his teaching degree in 1966 and earned a master’s degree in 1970 from Oregon State University. He began his teaching career at Philomath Elementary School. During his 23 years of teaching, he also taught at Adams and Wilson elementary schools in Corvallis. He took great pride in being a resident of Corvallis and was very pleased when Mayor Cecil Barker appointed him to the Corvallis Planning Commission during the early ’70s. He loved to work in his yard and their neighbors appreciated the lovely yard he maintained at their home in south Corvallis for more than 50 years. He also loved sharing cuttings and starts from his yard with others. Mel enjoyed playing pool, table tennis, pinochle and Aggravation. Family gatherings always included a challenge to a game of pool or ping-pong. His passion was helping children develop a love for learning. He enjoyed teaching at school and at church. His public school students still remember him as one of their favorite teachers. They fondly remember his tree house, the reading bathtub, and the eagle’s nest. He did whatever it took to see each student succeed. For many years he, with his wife’s help, led children’s church and “Bible Bowl” at the Nazarene Church. He would drive a school bus to pick up children so they could come to church. He retired from teaching and he and Beverly began traveling in their RV to visit family and friends across the US. They purchased a home in Sun City, Ariz., where they wintered until June 2006. His passion for teaching children was only surpassed by his love for his Lord Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 55 years; son Doug and his wife, Gloria; son Brian and his wife, Beverly; son Scott and his wife, Lorrie; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Helen Burright and Carol and her husband, Frank; brothers Frank and his wife, Harriet, and Joe and his wife, Beth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was an example of a life well lived and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Corvallis Schools Foundation in his name in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 266 N.W. Fifth St. Corvallis, OR 97330. Viewing will be at McHenry Funeral Home 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20. A service will be held 2 p.m. at the Nazarene Church Monday, April 21st. Interment will follow at Twin Oaks Cemetery.

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Melvin Nordyke

August 11, 1930 - April 15, 2008