Herbert Platts

Herbert Melvin “Mellie” Platts, 89, of Lyman, Wyoming, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 1, 2016.  Melvin was born on June 10, 1927 on a ranch 2 miles east of Lyman to John L. and Irene Plats.  Melvin was one of 17 children, 7 boys and 10 girls.

Melvin attended school in Lyman and left his senior year to serve for our country in the Merchant Marines where he found a love of boxing.  He loved his service but desperately missed the love of his life, the high spirited little blonde he left at home, Vonda Joy Eardley.  On August 24, 1946 they were married in Lyman, Wyoming and had two equally high spirited boys, Scotty and Barry.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, February 20, 1967.

Melvin and Vonda worked in restaurants and cafes all over southwest Wyoming, including little America.  They bought the Valley Café in Lyman and ran it for 6 years.  In the café they worked hard next to each other and kept everyone happy with delicious food and loving smiles.  Melvin knew that boys needed room to run and hard work to make them into good men, so he bought the ranch from his father and worked side by with his boys.  He never regretted that decision.  Scotty left for the PRCA and rode bareback for 15 years, went to the national finals 3 times and was as high as 3rd in the world.  Barry left to serve an LDS mission, earned his Bachelor’s Degree and moved to Arizona.  They both married, had children, and created more joy than one man should be allowed.

Melvin raised National Champion Rams.  He and Scotty showed them all over the county.  Melvin was an avid golfer; he golfed as often as the weather and work allowed.  He and Vonda served 2 missions for the LDS Chuch.  They rarely spent time away from each other.  They worked together, they served together and they spent time with their family together, they always put family first.  There was rarely an event they missed attending when it involved their grandkids.

Melvin Served on the Lyman School Board for 33 years, the Bridger Valley Electric Board, The Deseret Board, The Western Fuels Board and held numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including Bishop of the Lyman 1st Ward.  However, the titles he was most proud of were husband, dad, and grandpa.  He called our granny sweetie and he truly meant it.  They were married for 66 years and were an amazing example to our family and to the community.  Vonda passed away in 2012 leaving a huge hole in our lives.  We feel so much gratitude that they are together again.

Melvin leaves behind an enormous legacy of love.  He touched the hearts of everyone he came in contact with.  Melvin is survived by his son Barry M Platts (Lori) of Gilbert, Arizona.  His daughter-in-law Colleen Platts of Lyman.  His grandchildren, Misty McCombie (Matt) of Spokane, Washington; Traci Haycock (Jason); Kip Platts (Jennifer); Heidi Gregory (Travis) all of Lyman; Jennifer Parker (Ed) of Bountiful, Utah; Nikki Nielson (AJ) of McKinney, Texas; Lance W. Nikolaus of Lakeside, Arizona; Megan Hancock of Mesa, Arizona; Jessica Hamblin (Shane) of Eager, Arizona; and Catherine Veater (Jake) of Gilbert, Arizona.  He is also survived by 30 great grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Vonda Joy Platts; His son Scotty Rex Platts, and 11 of his siblings.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 11 am at the Stake Center in Urie.  A viewing will be held Tuesday evening at the Stake Center from 6 to 8 pm as well as one hour prior to the funeral service.  Interment will follow at the Lyman City Cemetery.