Melvin Dean "Mel" Barbee
Marriages
Marsha Blasdel - September 23, 1978
Married in Las Vegas, NV
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 8B - January 1, 2023
On Tuesday Dec 20,
2022, Mel Barbee, loving
husband, Daddy and Papa
Mo, passed away in a
tragic accident on his farm.
Mel was born Jan 4, 1949, to Ray and Nora Barbee,
of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mel grew up in the Loma/
Mack area and graduated from Fruita High School in
1967. During his high school years, Mel began learning
the art of farming while excelling in academics,
football, and wrestling. One of Mel’s proudest moments
was when he and his teammates won the state football
title in 1966, which hasn’t been achieved since. After
graduation, Mel furthered his education and wrestling
career at Mesa State College and then Colorado State
University.
Mel returned to the Western Slope, and there he met
and married Marsha Blasdel of Fruita, Colorado. They
were wed on Sept 23, 1978 in Las Vegas Nevada. Mel
and Marsha led an amazing life full of love, happiness,
and friends who became family. A notable for instance
is Mel’s dear friend, partner in crime, and farming
buddy, Uncle Kenny.
Mel was known throughout the community for his
work ethic, charismatic demeanor, and master farming
skills. Those who knew him best knew his passion and
heart belonged to his daughters, Lacie and Larissa. Mel
spent endless amounts of time with his girls ensuring
the love he invested as a daddy was instilled in such a
manner it will be passed down for generations to come.
Mel was never more content than when he was at the
lake waterskiing with his girls, up on a tractor making
bales, or out with his grandkids teaching them the
simple yet profound art of farming.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Marsha; his
daughters, Lacie (Dustin), and Larissa (Paul); and his
grandkids, Mikaila, Wyatt, Tristan, Baylen and Brodee.
Mel is also survived by his sisters, Donna (Kenny) and
Debbie; along with many nieces and nephews. Mel was
preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Nora Barbee;
and his oldest daughter, Echo.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions
in Mel Barbee’s name to St Jude Children’s Research
at www.stjude.org or St Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, PO Box 1893 Memphis, TN 38101-9950
