Melvin Ray Alcox, 82, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025.  He was born to Frank and Gladys (Thede) Alcox on June 30, 1943.

He was born in Lake City and started school at a country school near the family home northeast of Lake City.  He graduated as a member of the Class of 1961 from Lake City High School.  He lived in Lake City for 80 of his 82 years, only leaving the final 2 years to be in Colorado close to his son.

Growing up, Mel spent his days helping with the family sawmill, then working alongside his brother Harley at their father's repair and towing business.  There, he developed his mechanical skills and love of repairing things.  He could fix anything and loved working with his hands.

It was while working with his father and brother at Alcox Repair that he met a pretty young lady who was having car troubles and had been referred to Alcox Repair for service.  That young lady was Phyllis, and she became his wife in 1963.  They enjoyed 43 amazing years together.

Mel introduced Phyllis to his love of motorcycles, and they both loved to dance.  They spent much time riding and exploring the country and dancing the evenings away wherever they happened to be.  Before long, a sidecar was added when son Kevin and daughter Traci joined the family.

The focus shifted to family, and many vacations were spent snowmobiling and four-wheeling around the Midwest and Rocky Mountains.

Mel had many jobs throughout his working career, all centered around his love for helping others, fixing things, and designing/building as-yet non-existent things.

The Lake City community was dear to Mel's heart.  This dedication was evidenced by his 36 years of service on the Lake City Fire Department, the final 10 years serving as their chief.  He also became an EMT and spent 24 years as a member of the Lake City Ambulance Service.  There was never a snowstorm fierce enough to keep him from getting someone to the care that they needed.  In his retirement, he drove a school bus and brightened the days of any children lucky enough to be on his route.

But far above anything else in Mel's life, his greatest joy was being a father and grandfather.  There wasn't any activity that the kids/grandkids wanted to do that he wouldn't jump right in and participate with them.

We will all miss his infectious smile, quick sense of humor, and true joy he brought to our lives.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys Alcox; his beloved wife, Phyllis; and his daughter, Traci Alcox Mason.

He is survived by his son, Kevin (Carla) Alcox of Montrose, CO; grandsons, Benjamin Alcox of Georgetown, CO; Colin Mason of Kingsland, TX; and Cody Mason of Missouri City, TX; and his brother, Harley (Linda) Alcox of Nevada, IA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Lake City Fire Department.

The Funeral Service will be 10:30 am, Monday, August 4th, at the Woodlawn Christian Church in Lake City, Iowa, followed by the burial in the Lake City Cemetery. The Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm, Sunday, August 3rd, at the Lampe and Powers Funeral Home.