Melvin Brigance
Life Story

With a dry sense of humor and an outgoing personality, Melvin Brigance was always a welcome addition to any gathering. He was known for coming up with funny names for everyone he met, and liked bringing smiles to people’s faces. A man who enjoyed life to the fullest, Melvin will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

Melvin was born on June 12, 1943, to proud parents Charley and Edna (Hale) Brigance. The Brigance family lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Charley and Edna were farmers. Later, Charley would go on to work as a machinist and paper maker, while Edna would work for a bank. Melvin was the third-born of four children, with siblings Charles, Raphael, and Norman.

Melvin graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1961 – a member of the school’s first graduating class. Brave and patriotic, Melvin decided to serve his country by joining the Air Force. He joined up right out of high school, and proudly served for the next four years.

Soon after he returned to the States, Melvin married Carol (Snyder) on September 10, 1966. Melvin and Carol were blessed with two daughters, Aimee and Nicole. Melvin supported his family as an electrician, working at the Upjohn Company for thirty-five years. He also operated a trucking company with his wife Carol in Kalamazoo for several years, and served as the deputy sheriff of Vicksburg, Michigan.

In his free time, Melvin enjoyed travel and camping. He loved to head up to Silver Creek for a few days of the outdoors life, accompanied by his dogs and horses. Melvin rode a quarter-horse named Lee, and was a longtime member of the Kal-Val Saddle club. He worked hard to make the club a success, and served as the club president for six years. He also had a series of dogs over the years, with his most recent sidekick being a pooch named Apache.

Melvin was a savvy fisherman, and participated regularly in tournament bass fishing. Outgoing and social, he was also an active member of the Eagles and the VFW. At home, Melvin knew his way around a kitchen, and loved BBQ-ing with family and friends.

While he was working at Upjohn, Melvin became friends with a co-worker named Martha (“Marty”) Goodwin. Melvin and Marty’s friendship soon deepened into love, beginning a committed relationship that would last for over twenty years. Melvin and Marty were devoted to each other, and their relationship was Melvin’s greatest joy in life.

Witty, outgoing, and kind-hearted, Melvin was a caring partner, a proud father, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Melvin passed away at Bronson Hospital on August 25, 2012, at the age of 69. He is survived by his daughters Aimee (Dan) Mendham of Fulton and Nicole (David) Furgason of Portage; three grandchildren: Jacob and Tanner Mendham and Eli Furgason; his brothers, Charles (Dina) and Raphael (Millie); his partner of 23 years, Martha Goodwin and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman; his parents, Charley and Edna and a granddaughter Kaylee Mendham.

Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697). A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at the same location. A burial with Military Honors will take place on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vicksburg Bible Church or the ASPCA. Please visit Melvin’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.