Melvin Divis

Melvin "Mel" Divis, 89, of Johnson Lake, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Lexington Regional Health Center.

He was born on October 30, 1935, in Schuyler, Nebraska to Zikmond and Julia (Racek) Divis. He attended public school in Schuyler and graduated from Schuyler High School with the class of 1954. Following high school, at the age of 17, Mel enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for sixteen years before joining the Air Force for his final two years and was later honorably discharged. 

Following his discharge, Mel settled in Schuyler where he married the love of his life, Janice Smith on September 20, 1958. To this union, two boys were born: Brian and Bruce. Mel loved keeping busy and hard work was nothing new to him. For several years, he was a buyer for Nash Finch and moved to several locations. They moved to Kearney from Schuyler in 1962 where is was a buyer for Nash Finch.  They moved to Williston, North Dakota in 1967. They moved back to Kearney in 1968 where he was a manger with UniMart. In 1973, he was transferred to Lincoln, Nebraska where he was a buyer again with Nash Finch in their warehouse. Mel retired and they transitioned to North Platte, Nebraska in 1985 before settling at Johnson Lake, Nebraska in 1992. While living at the Lake, Mel worked at Coast to Coast in Lexington where he enjoyed helping and visiting with people. He also spent many years working at the Heartland Military Museum in Lexington. 

While living at the lake, Mel grew to love working on many different hobbies. His main interest was woodworking. He also enjoyed: fishing, watching the Bald Eagles at the lake, tending his garden, his dogs and being a part of his son, Bruce's pit crew whenever he raced his sprint car. 

He kept busy with the American Legion, being a commander and was a former president of his area at Mallard Cove at Johnson Lake. He was known as a very giving person and never hesitated to help others in any way he could.

Survivors include his loving wife, Janice of Johnson Lake, his two sons, Brian (Marie) Divis of Johnson Lake and Bruce (Lauri) Divis of Lincoln; two grandchildren, Wyatt and Madison Divis both of Lincoln; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Besides his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his brothers, Arnold and Jerry; and his sister, Roseann.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Parkview Baptist Church in Lexington with Pastor Keith Strasburger, officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Burial with Military Honors will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Schuyler Cemetery in Schuyler.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington Veteran's Pavillion. 

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com