Mel H Larson

Date of Birth October 8, 1962

Date of Death: December 7, 2024

Died: Show Low, Arizona at Summit Regional Medical Center

Mel H Larson was born October 8,1962 at the old McNary Hospital to Errol H and Marcia Ellen Larson. Mel attended Taylor Elementary School and Snowflake-Taylor Junior High and graduated from Snowflake High School in 1980. While in high school he was an active participant in the band program, a proud member of the Lobo Marching Band, and was the Jazz Band Student of the Year. Mel also assisted with setting up the sound, lights, and other equipment for school musicals, programs and events. After graduation Mel attended Devry Institute of Technology where he furthered his knowledge of electronics and computer technology.

Mel worked for Karlson Machine shop, Metropolitan Pepsi in Phoenix, and maintenance supervisor at the Pepsi plant in Casa Grande for many years before moving to Texas to work for Microblend where he traveled the country perfecting the taste of your favorite soft drink beverages. Upon returning to Arizona, Mel worked with alongside his long time childhood friend Brian Brimhall, to grow AZ Digital Dish and install Dish Network and satellite service across northern Arizona. Mel made good friends with his customers, always coming home with a loaf of bread or jerky that he received when making his house calls. While on his calls he would fix their computer, or their toaster, or whatever else they needed help with. His customers would then always become good friends.

Cars and mechanics were always a passion for Mel, as he followed in the footprints of his father and grandfather at Speed’s Motor Service. He always loved old stuff over anything new, especially his 1968 Chevy, and he would always say, “I can fix that,” and he did. Mel had a lifelong love for music and guitars and loved to help refurbish vintage guitars for his friends. He loved classic rock and metal music and spent many Saturday nights playing in his band Chediski, and in other bands with his good friends. He was a big fan of going to the drag races with his family and shared this love with his daughters.

Mel was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ranald "Speed" Larson and Bernice Hatch Larson, maternal grandparents George Kenneth Hippard and Dorothy Rochelle Hyde Hippard, and his dear sister Marcy Ann Larson.

He is survived by his two adoring daughters Nicole Larson and Holley Larson Smitch, and his son-in-law Eric Smitch and three grandsons Sidney, Tyler, and Tony. Mel is also survived by his parents Errol H Larson and Marcia Ellen Hippard Larson, his brother Mark E Larson and sister-in-law Denise Larson, his sister Melissa Jo Larson and brother-in-law Brad Wells. He is also survived by his uncle Corwin Ray and aunt Cydee Owens Larson, and his uncle Mark and Victoria Larson Davis. Mel and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Services will be at the Silver Creek Mortuary on Paper Mill Road on Wednesday, December 11 with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Reed S. Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor following the service. 

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