Melvin LaVerene Mays

Melvin LaVerene Mays

Oct. 10, 1924 - Jan. 2, 2011

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Melvin LaVerene Mays, 86, formerly of Orleans, Nebraska, died Jan. 2, 2011, at the McKee Hospital in Loveland, Colorado.

He was born Oct. 10, 1924, on a farm south of Alma, Nebraska, to George and Inez (Gildersleeve) Mays. He attended school in Alma for 11 years. His family moved to Orleans where he graduated from Orleans High School in 1942.

After graduation, Melvin was inducted to the United States Army on July 8, 1943 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on April 5, 1946, at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.

He married Doris J. Humes on Jan. 2, 1952.

He was employed for Burlington Northern Railroad for 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffery Lynn Mays; brother: Gilbert Mays; sisters: Loretta Nickerson, Norma Jean Quinn and Donna Fix.

Survivors include his wife, Doris of Lincoln; son, Michael Mays and his wife, Deb of Cortland, Nebraska; daughter, Debra Keller and her husband, Randy of Keller, Texas, Lisa Mays-Schultz and her husband, Peter of Loveland, Colorado and Susan Mays of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many others relatives and friends.

Graveside memorial services and inurnment are at the Orleans Cemetery at Orleans, Nebraska on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Jim Bendorf officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Orleans Harold Morin Post No.184 in conjunction with the United States Army National Guard Honors Team.

A memorial has been established and can be made to the family.

Expressions of condolences may be left at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.