Melvin Eugene Richens, 77, of Vernal died Dec. 18, 2000 from a heart attack. Melvin was born Oct. 11, 1923 in Ogden, the son of Vern Richens and Melvina Thompson Richens. He was fifth of 15 children. He married Lois Jean Cook Pehacek on Jan. 9, 1947 in Vernal.

He was a life-time resident of Vernal. He used to herd sheep, lived in Ogden for while, and worked in Rangely, Colo., and in the oil fields. He moved to little Bonanza where he drove a Gilsonite truck for about four years. He then moved to Vernal and went to work for Intermountain Concrete with Joe Murray, driving a cement mixer for 33 years. He retired in 1985.

He enjoyed the outdoors, went fishing, hunting, camping, baseball, singing and playing the guitar. He loved to make people feel at home with lots of laughter and love. He grew a garden every year and took care of what he could around the house and chores. Melvin loved all his family members and spending time with them. His most love was for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Floyd Duane Richens; two daughters, Sharon Louise Richens and Donna Arlene Richens; his parents; six sisters and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Jean Richens; two sons, Marvin Gene Richens and Leon (Alice) Richens; two daughters, Beverly Ann Richens and Verna (Keith) Peterson; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Nephi (Hazel) Atwood, Vernal; Carol Ebeling, Sunset; brothers, Bud (Nial) Richens, Gusher; Merlin (Rhea) Richens, Roosevelt; Clifton (Joyce) Richens; Grant (Cheryl) Richens, all of Vernal.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends may call Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the services.

Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors provided by the American Legion under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

-Misc. Uintah County, Utah Obituaries