Jul. 31, 1939 - Jun. 25, 2026
Date of Service: Jul. 11, 2026
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CHUBBUCK – Melvin Deloy Posey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away on June 25, 2026.
Mel was born in Burley, Idaho, on July 31, 1939, the first of five children born to Albert Melvin Posey and Velma Effie (Young) Posey.
As a child, Mel traveled to many places as his father sought seasonal work. For a time, the family lived in Compton, California, before returning to Burley, where most of their extended family resided.
He attended Overland Elementary School and graduated from Burley High School. From a young age, Mel loved working on cars and bought, sold, and traded many of them. At the age of 19, he began working for J.R. Simplot, where he met the love of his life.
Mel married Phyllis Ann Bellon, in Burley, on February 27, 1960. They were later sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mel and Phyllis, along with their two children, Scott and Sherry, moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where Mel helped design and build a potato processing plant. They lived there from 1965 to 1970 before returning to Burley to be closer to family. They made their home in the Burley-Paul area and raised Scott and Sherry in the Paul/Emerson community, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.
Mel began working at Ore-Ida Foods in Burley as an electrician. During his 30-year career, he advanced to Packaging Mechanic, Leadman, Maintenance Foreman, and eventually Maintenance Planner for both plants. While working full-time at Ore-Ida, he also pursued farming, something he truly enjoyed. He especially loved giving his children the opportunity to learn the value of hard work on the farm.
Mel loved hunting and fishing with family and friends throughout the Burley and Paul area. During the summers, he and Phyllis took their family camping and horseback riding nearly every weekend, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
A true "jack of all trades," Mel could build or repair just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Mel was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, including stake extraction and as a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple.
After retiring, Mel and Phyllis spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying time with dear friends. They later moved to Chubbuck, Idaho, to be closer to family.
Mel dearly loved his grandchildren and treasured traveling and camping with them. Together they visited the Oregon Coast, Disneyland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Nauvoo, Illinois. Mel and Phyllis also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise.
He rarely missed one of his grandchildren's sporting events and took great pride in each of their accomplishments.
Mel is survived by his children, Scott (Valerie) Posey of Powell Butte, Oregon, and Sherry VanEvery of Pocatello, Idaho; five grandchildren: Jacob Posey, Cassidy Posey, Jordan (Christina) VanEvery, Breanne (Shelton) Robinson, and Ashlyn (Conner) LaMont; three great-granddaughters, Ruby, Reggie, and Rosie; one great-grandson, Van; his sister, Effie
Ann Craythorn; and his brother, Ronald Jay Posey.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his sisters, Darla Gay Posey and Violet Wilson; his brother, Arlen Burt Posey; his parents, Albert and Velma Posey; and his son-in-law, Lynn VanEvery.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the loving care, kindness, and service shown to Mel during his final days.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/gVznx2sgbBM.
