Melvin D. King Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 17, 2011, at his home in Helena. Mel was born Aug. 31, 1947, in Helena to Melvin and Margaret King.

Mel graduated from Helena Senior High School in 1965, and went to work at the Burlington Northern freight dock. In the fall, he attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. The following year, Mel followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Navy. Mel was stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines, serving with Harbor Clearance Unit 1, Salvors. He received an honorable discharge in 1969, and returned to Helena to work at Burlington Northern Railroad in the roundhouse. Mel then trained as an engineer, and went on to serve 30 years as an engineer working the helpers out of Helena for Burlington Northern, then hiring on at the start of Montana Rail Link where he helped train new engineers. He then transferred to Missoula were he ran freights between Missoula and Spokane. He retired from the railroad after 38 years of railroading.

When he wasn't running trains, Mel enjoyed fishing for perch at Placid Lake with the family, trolling at Canyon Ferry, and generally enjoying his boat. He also was an accomplished bowler, rolling a 300 game in 1987. Mel enjoyed all forms of outdoor activities and was an accomplished golfer and hunter.

Mel was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, in 1998.

He is survived by his father, Mel Sr. of Helena; sisters, Susan (Gary) Schmidt of East Helena and Nora (Steve) Wriston of Baker City, Ore. Mel also is survived by his "adopted" son, Dan King, and his wife, Julie, and son, Ryan; nephew, Jason (Molly) Schmidt, great-nephew, Keller Schmidt, Jeff Schmidt and Dave Ekman, all of Helena and Cody Wriston of Baker City. Mel is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Helena area.

"On to better hunting grounds."

A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the service at the Service Club at the fort.

Helena Independent Record, February 20, 2011