Melvin M. Waldon

Melvin Waldon, known to friends and family as “Mel,” passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, at the age of 86.

Funeral services for Mel Waldon will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, 420 First Street Northwest in Clarion with Pastor Grant Woodley officiating.  Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Melvin Matthew Waldon was born in Woolstock, Iowa, on May 12, 1931, to parents Ola and Louise Waldon.  He attended country school and then graduated from Clarion High School in 1949.  As a young man he was active in 4-H and wrestling.

In high school, Mel was a state champion heavyweight wrestler.  After high school, Mel attended Iowa State College where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.  He also wrestled for Iowa State from 1950-1953, and 1955-1956 and was a Big 7 Conference heavyweight champion.  From 1953-55, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he taught field sound ranging.

On August 3, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart Dolores Schiek.  After graduating from Iowa State, Mel and Dee moved to Dexter, Iowa, where he taught science and coached football.  His son Tom was born in 1957.  After Dexter, the Waldon family moved to Vinton, Iowa, where Mel taught science and started the high school wrestling program.

Mel and his family returned to Clarion in 1961, where he worked for Banwell John Deere and later Hagie Manufacturing.  In 1968, Mel and his wife adopted their daughter, Lisa.  After operating his own custom manufacturing business, he began working as Director of Transportation for Clarion Community Schools. Mel retired after working for the school district for over 20 years.

Mel was a life-long Iowa State Cyclone fan, and also enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and spending time with his family.  He volunteered as a Cub Scout leader and was a Clarion-Goldfield sports booster.  For over 25 years he was a 4-H leader and tractor safety instructor. Mel was an active member of First Lutheran Church, serving as church president and a confirmation mentor to many.  One of Mel’s favorite activities was Rotary Club International and he rarely missed a meeting. As a Rotary member for decades, he was twice honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Melvin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Dolores, his children Tom (Melanie) and Lisa (Kevin), his grandchildren Mackenzie and Robbie, and his brother, Glenn.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ola and Louise Waldon.

Memorial donations may be given in Mel’s name to the Heartland Museum, Wright County 4-H, and the Clarion Rotary Club.