Melvin Edward McElravy

On September 12, 2025, Melvin (Bud) Edward McElravy went to be with the Lord at the age of 89 years. He will be remembered by his three daughters: Tamara (Tami) Murch, Connie Rico (Tim), and Sheila Bostwick; eight grandchildren: Rachel Murch, Cassie Heffington (Donald), JoDee Murch, Travis Rico (Brianna), Brittni Dixon (Justin), Jacob Rico (Tracy), Blaire Bese (Matt), Remi Rico; and nine great-grandchildren: Greyson and Jameson Heffington; Kairi and TJ Rico; Tatum, Hayes, and Charlie Dixon; and Rhett Bese and sister. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Marilyn McElravy; brother-in-law, Marvin Lnenicka; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Soukup and Donna Winscot; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bud grew up in Nebraska and lived there until he enlisted in the Navy in 1955. In 1956, he married Beverly Jean Wadkins, the love of his life. They were married for almost 68 years until Beverly's death in June of 2024. Bud's Naval career took him and his family to many different locations. He also traveled the world on various deployments and loved to tell his children and grandchildren the (sometimes embellished) tales of his adventures overseas. Bud did three tours on aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy in 1975 after 20 years of service, holding the rank of Senior Chief. At that time, he moved the family to Visalia, California where he lived until his death. Bud worked for many years in Visalia and Fresno, California with Twining Laboratories. Throughout his life, he was very active in Masonic organizations, community youth organizations, church youth groups, and coaching sports. For many years, he and Beverly could be found behind the Children's Ministry resource center desk at Gateway Church (then First Baptist), promptly providing Sunday school teachers and parishioners with everything from construction paper and crayons to a quick-witted joke and a smile. Bud was very involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives and activities, and was renowned for his innate ability to fix anything mechanical, from cars to ceiling fans. His family always said, "He can fix anything but a broken heart and a hole in the sky, but those parts are on order". An Open House will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2024 at 744 W. Victor Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277, from 1 - 4 pm. Memorials can be made in Bud's name to: Gateway Church of Visalia, Children's Ministry, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia, CA 93277. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Melvin Edward McElravy

March 31, 1936 - September 12, 2025