Melvin LeRoy Carnell

Melvin Leroy Carnell, age 72, of Buhl, Idaho, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011, at his home from a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his family, just the way he always liked it. Melvin was born May 22, 1939 in Ponca, Nebraska to Marge Baker and Gerald Carnell.He was one of eight children. The family moved to Halfway, Oregon in 1957, the same year he was drafted into the Service. Following his tour of duty he met LaDonna Hubler. They were married in 1961. They had 7 children, 6 boys and 1 girl. The family lived in Halfway, Oregon where Melvin and LaDonna worked to remodel the house they rented while working the farm. They also lived in California where he worked in the orange groves. They moved to Idaho where Melvin worked in construction. He owned and operated Crane Pumping with his brother. He pumped concrete for 30+ years. Melvin got involved with Amateur Boxing along with 5 of his sons and 3 of his grandsons. He coached the Jerome Boxing Club for many years. He enjoyed these years when he played such a big part in their lives. His family meant everything to him. He loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around. The family had barbecues almost every weekend during the summer and sometimes in the winter. Melvin enjoyed manning the grill. He also enjoyed riding ATVs. He went with his brothers every summer for a week long ride in Utah. He also liked to take the bikes up to the South Hills and ride with all the kids. We are most fortunate to have had so many wonderful years with him. He had several accidents in his later years that almost took him from us. He was a survivor and an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his friend and life partner, LaDonna. Also by his sons, (Jerry) Gerald Fred (Cindy), Jerome; Melvin Dale (Marla), Filer; Ronnie Eugene (Lucy), Jerome; Jamey Earl (Amy), Lynnwood, Washington; Scotty Greg and Shane Julius, both of Buhl; and his daughter Stacie Kay Carnell, Jerome; 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Marge Carnell of Emmett, Idaho, 3 sisters, Cathy Carnell, Sandy Turcato and Yvonne Davison, all of Emmett, and 2 brothers, Gary Carnell of St. George, Utah and Delwyn (Dud) Carnell of Magic. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, 2 brothers, Larry and Ricky and 3 grandchildren, Cambria Jordan, Brittny Marie and Andrew Scott. The family would like to thank the St. Luke's Cancer Center and the Hospice for the care that was provided Melvin through this long illness. Also for the support that was given to all of us. Cremation under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. The family will have a Celebration of Life to honor Melvin at a later date. Those who wish may share memories at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com