Melvin "Mel" Arthur Minney
Crusader Crewchief
May 5, 1948 to June 27, 2016
Mel on the top of "Little Annie"
This beautiful "Life Story" was written by Mel's Grandson, Connor Minney
Melvin Arthur Minney, born May 25, 1948 went to be with The Lord on Monday, June 27, 2016.
Son of migrant farm workers Art and Kathleen Minney, Mel was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent much of his early childhood living out of a tent as his parents followed seasonal work across the country.
At the age of seven, Mel’s family moved to Bakersfield, California, where he would spend the next ten years studying during the week, working with his father at the Coca Cola plant on the weekends, and racing his prized ’56 Chevy in his free time.
After graduating in Foothill High School’s inaugural class of 1966, Mel answered the call of duty, joining the United States Army at just seventeen years of age.
Mel attended aircraft mechanic school, where he would discover his passion for flight prior to his deployment to Vietnam in 1967, where he would serve as a crew chief on his UH1C gunship “Little Annie.”
During his eighteen months in Vietnam, Mel would serve with distinction, surviving two helicopter crashes, saving countless lives, and earning numerous commendations including the Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device denoting his acts of heroism.
After his honorable discharge, Mel returned to Bakersfield, where he would meet his loving wife of forty-four years, Paula.
Mel and Paula were married in 1971 and, one year later, Paula would give birth to their only son, Joseph.
For the next thirty-four years, Mel would serve dutifully as a sign installer and electrician for Center Neon, doing everything he could to provide a comfortable life for his family.
In 1983, Mel took up racing BMX bikes with other fathers. What started off as “the old guys” messing around quickly became a serious sport.
He raced all over California as one of the “Cardiac Cowboys.”
When Mel wasn’t on the track, he was with his son, riding mountain bikes in the local foothills.
He developed a reputation for always being the first to try the most challenging trails, even when he knew he was going to crash.
Mel retired from Center Neon as a foreman in 2002 and devoted much of his time to helping others.
Whether it was organizing Easter egg hunts at the local VA or bringing Christmas presents to children with parents who had been deployed, Mel’s love for children and his passion for his fellow servicemen and women was exemplified by his selfless devotion to others.
Mel also spent much of his time helping raise his only grandson, Connor.
Despite a difficult ten-year battle with cancer, he was perpetually devoted to his family. He never missed a sporting event or school function.
While Mel should have been relaxing and enjoying the “golden years,” he instead chose to ride ATV’s with his son and grandson, work on hot rods with his buddies, and spend vacations zip-lining and parasailing with his wife. Mel never let anything slow him down and he never stopped being a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a cool grandpa.
Mel is survived by his wife Paula, his son Joseph, and his grandson Connor.
The service will be held at 9:15am on Thursday, June 7 at Bakersfield National Cemetery and he will receive full military honors.
It is with great sadness and regret that
we wish to have Sp/5 Melvin "Mel" Minney's name added to the
Folded Wings Roster.
Mel lost his long battle with cancer on June 27, 2016.
He leaves behind his wife Paula, son Joe, and grandson
Connor, not to mention those who knew and loved him
throughout his life.
Mel served with D Troop 3/5 Cav from July
1967 through January 1969.
He was a Crusader Crew Chief on UH-1C 66682, "Little
Annie, also on the second "Little Annie."
I was Mel's door gunner from July '67 / March '68.
He was a loyal friend during that time, and talking to his
family, I remained his friend until his death.
I am honored to have known him.
He was a fine soldier and extremely proud to have served his
country.
A supporter of all our Troops serving now, especially those
who are in harms way.
On behalf of Mel's family, friends, and those who knew him,
we will mourn his passing...
One last time we are..."CLEAR RIGHT"...
Farewell, Don Walker