Melvin (Mel) Kilgore

Melvin (Mel) James Kilgore passed away at his home in Palmer Alaska, with his wife Nadine by his side on October 10, 2023. He was 74 years old.

Mel was born in Spokane, Washington on July 19, 1949 to Vernon and Patricia Kilgore. He has 3 brothers, Steve Kilgore (Tammy), Las Vegas Nevada, Doug Kilgore, Las Vegas, Nevada and Wayne Kilgore, Spokane Washington.

Mel married Karen R. Leitl on July 29, 1967. Children born to this marriage were Joanne Marie Kilgore (12/9/1968- 3/4/1969), Joseph Marc Kilgore (2/13/1970- 2/14/1970), and Cyndi Ann Kilgore.

Mel Married Marilyn Y. Munson on April 24, 1981, uniting his family with her and children Dianne Munson ( Donna Brechan), Anchorage Alaska, Dean Munson, Fairbanks Alaska, Holly Munson Colletti (Paul Colletti), Solon Ohio and MaeLynn Munson Pauling (Dale Pauling), Wasilla, Alaska. Marilyn preceded Mel in death October 12, 2020 with Mel and family by her side.

In the early 1970's Mel moved to Alaska and worked as a surveyor on the Trans-Alaska pipeline. He returned to Spokane, Washington for a short time and once again returned to Alaska in 1981 where he worked as a drywall taper. The last 23 years of his working career he worked for the Alaska Railroad as a conductor.

Throughout his life Mel enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and vacation trips to explore other states.

In March of 2021 he reunited with his high school friend Nadine Reid Humphrey. After not seeing each other for 47 years they were married on February 20, 2022 in Spokane Washington by her son James (Jimmy) Renford. Wedding planners were daughters Jennifer Renford Mangini, Cyndi Kilgore, and daughter in law Amber Rees Renford.

Although their time was cut short by illness Mel and Nadine shared a loving, joyful relationship, filled with laughter and adventure.

Mel was a long-term member of the Elks Lodge. First in Eagle River Alaska, then transferring to the Lodge in Palmer Alaska.

A celebration of life will be held November 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Palmer Elks Lodge #1842, 2600 N Barrys Resort Dr. Wasilla Alaska.

Nadine would like to thank Dr. Patricia Johnson, DO, Dr. Ravi Shergill MD, Midnight Sun Oncology, Matsu Regional Hospital Staff and Ancora Hospice for their care of Mel during his illness.

A very special thanks to all of our friends and staff at the Palmer Elks Lodge #1842 for their kindness and support of Mel and I during this very difficult time.