Always the bright and happy center of a close knit family, Melvin Francis Stacey Jr., 88, is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly Stacey; their three children, Dave, Jim and Mary; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He is now reunited with his brother, Gary; sisters, Darlene and Yvonne; and daughter, Sally.
Mel was born March 26, 1931, in Tacoma, Wash., to Mildred and Melvin Stacey Sr.
He graduated from Olympia High School in 1949. Mel was an avid golfer and was awarded the best golfer trophy his senior year. After meeting Beverly Austin on a hay ride, the two became high school sweethearts and were later married Dec. 3, 1949. They spent their early years as owners of Stacey Mobile Service Station on Legion Way in Olympia. Mel also enjoyed a long career in the lumber industry, which began at Hyak Lumber in Olympia. He moved his family to Centralia, where he worked at Keen and Howards in Centralia, moved into management at Palmer Lumber in Chehalis and eventually, retired from Blakley and Hout.
After Mel, Bev and their four children moved to Centralia in 1964, his allegiance shifted from Olympia Bears to Centralia Tigers. He was an avid spectator of Centralia High School athletics and rarely missed any of his children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events. Mel was also an impressive athlete in those years. Mel was a regular member of a bowling league and an accomplished golfer. He finished his golf career with 10 holes in one, two of which came at the age of 81.
When Mel was not on his favorite golf courses, he and Bev drove across the country visiting nearly all 50 states. He loved the ocean and waterfalls and said his favorite trip was to Hawaii. In his later years, Mel enjoyed a weekly pinochle game. He also loved watching and attending Husky, Mariner and Seahawk games. Perhaps his favorite activity however, was singing “Winners Grow Up with Malt-O-Meal” after winning card games at family gatherings.
On Sept. 7, 2019, Mel’s loved ones will honor and celebrate his memory at Harrison Square Presbyterian Church in Centralia, at 2 p.m. The family would like to ask that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers make a donation to the Centralia High School Golf Team.
