Melvin Lloyd Conley, age 84, of Terry passed away at home on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Mel was born on January 14, 1939, in Edgeley, North Dakota, to Agnes Dunn and William Conley. Mel was one of eight children. Mel grew up in Jamestown, ND, and had a great time in high school playing football. He joined the United States Air Force on September 19, 1957, until he was honorably discharged on September 18, 1961. Mel was especially proud to have served in the Air Force. Mel met and fell in love with Joyce Spangler. They were wed at the catholic church on September 28, 1961, in Jamestown, ND. Mel had a long career with United Parcel Service and cherished his many friends from UPS even after his retirement. He traveled to his daughters’ homes throughout the years, sometimes in his motorhome, and especially enjoyed the big family vacation get togethers, with all 19+ family members in Maine, Washington D.C., California, South Dakota, Montana, New Mexico, and Florida.
The annual hunting tradition with his brother-in-law and good friend, Tom Vars, nephew Terry Wink, Mel’s sons – Mike and Kelly, Denver Dave Hollis, Rudy, Randy, Thoeny’s and many others, was truly an event – they played poker, ate great food (thanks to Beanie and Tom), laughed, smoked cigars, drank and actually even hunted a bit. He considered his friends in Terry to be part of his extended family and always looked forward to coffee with friends in the morning and afternoons at the American Legion. Mel never met a stranger. He would talk to anyone willing to listen about his family, work and even a good joke.
Mel was preceded in death by his son, Charles Melvin Conley, and grandson Noah David Hodgkins; his parents; his sisters Marge Vars and Sue Behles, his brothers, Don, Patrick, and Leonard Conley, Brother-in-Law Jack Behles, and Sister-in-Law Dorothy Conley.
Mel is survived by his sister, Noreen “Beanie” Conley, Billings, MT; his brother, Mark (Donna) Conley, Elk Grove, MN; the love of his life, Joyce Conley, Boise, ID; Sister-in-Law, Dee Conley, Grand Forks, ND; his five children: Michael (Sheri) Conley and Kelly (Cindy) Conley of Miles City, MT; Shelly (Jim) Durkin, Boise, ID; Cindy (Kevin) Bobb, Corrales, NM; Linda (Greg) Hodgkins, Hamden, CT; his grandchildren: Kelcy (Jason) Compton, Portland, OR; Ian Durkin, Boise, ID; Isaac Hodgkins, Chattanooga, TN; Alex Durkin, Provo, UT; Seth Hodgkins, Hamden, CT; Sean Durkin, Boise, ID; Spencer Bobb, Santa Fe, NM.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, MT, with burial following in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with military honors. A luncheon will follow at the Parlor after the burial. Online condolences can be made at www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mel’s honor can be made to Custer County Fund for Animals, 519 Main #104, Miles City, MT 59301, as he loved his pets dearly.
Melanie Fiechtner Florey says
Oh NOOO. I am so shocked to see this 🥺, not Mel !!! Mike, Kelly, Shelley, Cindy , and Linda I am so sorry. It will seem so “unreal”, even after you have said good-bye you will think of calling him. I remember all the good times at your house while in high school. And I remember Mel teasing Poncho and Superdog😉. He always made me laugh. Loved going to your house. It may not seem like it now but your memories will sustain you and bring you peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Melanie Fiechtner Florey says
Oh NOOO. I am so shocked to see this 🥺, not Mel !!! Mike, Kelly, Shelley, Cindy , and Linda I am so sorry. It will seem so “unreal”, even after you have said good-bye you will think of calling him. I remember all the good times at your house while in high school. I also recall Mel teasing Poncho and Superdog😉. He always made me laugh. Loved going to your house. It may not seem like it now but your memories will sustain you and bring you peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Marcy Parks says
Kelly and Cindy, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette Flemming Miller says
Mike – Kelly – Shelly – Cindy and Linda so sorry to hear about your Dad. Know that you are in my prayers and keep all the memories in your heart forever.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
WE are so sorry! Mel was the nicest guy ever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Hunziker says
Kelly and Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kent Benjamin says
So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. Rest in peace my friend.
From the Benjamins
Ben Eileen Strad and Kent
Eileen Entzel says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Diane M Welbes says
Oh my! so surprised to see this. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Love you all.
Barb Ashley says
So sorry for your loss. He was always such a fun person to visit with.
KAREN AND RAY PELLANT says
RAY and I are so sorry for your loss.
Barb Holcomb says
Conley brothers and sisters – I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of a kind and kind to everyone. I remember his sense of humor. Cherish your memories together. Hugs and prayers, Barb (Bonine) Holcomb
Christine Whitlock Keltner says
so sorry to hear, none of us were ready for him to be gone. He was such a comfort and help the day we lost Chris. We will remember Mel with love—-
Larry and Judy Jens says
Mel always had a big smile and took time for a chat. We enjoyed him as a UPS driver and after he retired and became a Prairie County resident. Prayers for his loved ones.
Gary & Cathy Kalmback says
To Mel’s family–our deepest sympathy! He was the GREATEST UPS guy E-V-E-R! Always a smile & a joke to tell. May he rest in peace!
Julie says
Mel, you were a good friend, neighbor and mentor. Rest in peace! The Kaufman clan.
Kim Hajenga Peterson says
My deepest sympathy to the Conley family. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Deborah Scott says
Mike, Kelly Shelly, Cindy and Linda,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Mel, I am going to miss him his sense of humor always making us laugh. I have a picture of Uncle Mel, with Mom, And John on my refrigerator door, so I talk to Mel, Mom and John every day!! You are in my thoughts!! I love you Uncle Mel, and we will all see each other in heaven one day!!! Say Hi to Dad, Mom, and John for me…
Love Always, Debbie (Behles) Scott and Family
Laurie Claypool says
Kelly, Cindy and Kelcy and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of you father/grandfather! Please hold onto all your memories to help you during this difficult time! Thoughts and prayers to you all!
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Our sincere condolences to all Mel’s family. He was so nice and fun to visit with. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken&Agnes Drane says
So sorry to hear about Mel he was a great guy and good friend. He will be so missed by all his family,friends and co-workers, our hearts and prayers go out to all of his family man
Curtis Fillafer says
Kelly, Cindy, and family you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Melvin was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories I had with Melvin. Melvin God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Claire Corbiere says
Linda, Greg, Isaac, Seth and the rest of Linda’s wonderful family, we are so sad to hear of your Dad’s (grandfather’s) passing. We have fond memories of the times we would see him and others in your family when visiting Greg and Linda in Connecticut. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. In deep sympathy, Claire and Eben Corbiere ♥️
Debbie Powers says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my heart and prayers 🙏💜