Melvin Leroy Thompson was born on March 16, 1938, to Lester and Elizabeth (Young) Thompson in Aberdeen. He died on Nov. 27, 2025, in Hoquiam. He went to Hoquiam schools, graduating in the class of 1956.

He graduated from Grays Harbor College and Western Washington State College, where he met Dixie Hansen on a blind date. He and Dixie married on July 10, 1959. Mel went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education in 1976 from Western.

In college, Mel put himself through school by working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a firefighter in Quinault. After graduation from college in 1960, he began his career in education as a teacher, first at South Kitsap High School, then in 1961 at Hoquiam Junior High, where he remained until he retired in 1991. He taught multiple subjects during his 30-year career, but he was best known for teaching history, driver’s education, and serving half-time as the junior high vice-principal. He coached track and served as athletic director for years. Mel was extremely proud to be from Hoquiam and be a Grizzly, often volunteering at events. After retiring from education, he worked part-time driving a contract mail route in Quinault. He also helped his wife run her clothing store, Dixie’s.

Mel was a lifelong member of the Hoquiam United Methodist Church. He participated in many local organizations, such as Grizzly Alumni, Sons of Norway, Hoquiam Lions, Hoquiam Elks and Hoquiam Planning Commission and serving as a Civil Service Examiner.

Mel had a love of travel, first of road trips across the country and visiting historical sites, and then later, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Larry and Dennis.

Mel is survived by his wife of 66 years; his children, Randy (Elaine), Melain (Kim), Dawn (Tim), and Kristine (Jeff). He has multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren with another expected in January 2026; many nieces, nephews and dear cousins, as well as his sister Connie Egstad of Crookston, Minnesota.

Services will be held at the Hoquiam United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Please take a moment to share your memories and messages of support for the family by signing the online guestbook at www.colemanmortuary.net.