Melvin Arthur Hadley

Melvin Arthur Hadley was born on May 24, 1940, to Harold A. and Bertha Mae (Walton) Hadley of Star, Idaho. He was the second of five children.

Melvin was raised on farmland in Star, Idaho, where the family grew corn, alfalfa, barley, wheat, and hay, and raised dairy cows. He attended schools in Star, Eagle, and Meridian, where he became an accomplished cornet player and developed a lifelong love of Big Band jazz. Melvin graduated from Meridian High School in 1958 and then attended George Fox College (now University) in Newberg, Oregon. While at George Fox, he fell in love with Lyla Beth Bury—the love of his life. Melvin was quite shy and would wink at Lyla from across the table every night at dinner. The strategy worked, and soon they were engaged.

Melvin and Lyla were married at Star Friends Church in Idaho on August 12, 1960. Both shared a deep love for Jesus and a desire to become missionaries, but those plans were placed on hold when they learned they were expecting their first child. Melvin settled into operating a productive dairy farm in Star while also raising hay and producing chicken eggs to support his young family. He served in the local Dairymen’s Association, and his Holstein cows were recognized as top producers—not only for milk volume but also for butterfat, which was somewhat unusual for Holsteins. A study determined they were simply well-nourished and “happy cows.” Melvin took great care to cater to each cow’s personality.

After four years and the birth of their second child, several cows broke down a fence and ate fresh-cut hay that was drying in a field. The incident caused the loss of several top milkers and resulted in expensive veterinary bills. Melvin realized they could not continue farming and adequately support their growing family, so he applied for a position with the Boise City Fire Department and began work in October 1964. He sold his herd, moved the family to Boise, and soon they purchased their first home.

Melvin served with the Boise Fire Department for 26 years. As a farm boy, he was no stranger to hard work. During his career he earned the opportunity to attend school in Boston, where he completed an Associate’s Degree in Applied Fire Science. His leadership and faith were widely recognized and eventually led to his promotion to Captain. The stations where he served as captain became known for effective drilling, discipline, and efficiency. Melvin served at several stations around Boise, including the airport, where he learned the science of aircraft firefighting. During his final six years he was asked to serve as the Fire Department Chaplain before retiring to pursue the missionary work he and Lyla had long desired.

During his off hours from the fire department, Melvin often worked various side jobs. One of those was with Anderson Truss. The owner recognized Melvin’s work ethic and soon asked him to manage a new continuous rain gutter business. Despite working many hours, Melvin always made family a priority, making sure he attended nearly every sporting event and musical performance his children participated in.

Melvin continued to grow in his faith by attending and leading Men’s Bible Study Fellowship groups and by serving in several leadership roles within the church, including worship leader and elder. He enrolled in the Intern Program at Cole Community Church in Boise, continued serving as an elder, and completed studies toward a master’s degree in biblical studies. He was ordained, and both he and Lyla began seriously considering full-time Christian service.

Melvin and Lyla later took two short-term mission trips—one to Bulgaria and another to Papua New Guinea with a Wycliffe translator. These experiences convinced them to pursue full-time service. After 32 years in Boise, they raised support, sold their home, and moved to Western Washington to serve with American Missionary Fellowship (AMF/InFaith) throughout the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas.

Melvin and Lyla served for ten years with AMF/InFaith, organizing summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools, holding services at a local juvenile detention center, and occasionally filling the pulpit in rural churches. In 2006 they retired again and moved to Port Hadlock, Washington, where they served locally in various leadership and teaching roles at Quilcene Bible Church.

They were often found camping in their truck camper at their Lake Leland property or at Salt Creek Campground. They logged many miles traveling across the country to South Carolina, Prince Edward Island, Delaware, Texas, Utah, Arizona, and Idaho, and along the Alcan Highway to Alaska. Internationally, they visited Israel’s Holy Land and Australia’s Snowy River Mountains.

Melvin and Lyla were married for 64 years before Lyla passed away in December 2024. Melvin lovingly cared for Lyla at home and later visited her every day for 15 months at Life Care Center where she required full-time skilled care.

During the last 14 months of his life, Melvin traveled throughout the Northwest visiting immediate family, siblings, cousins, and dear friends. He also spent treasured time with his great-grandchildren, sharing with them his love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He enjoyed attending Calvary Community Church, participating in Bible studies, and was comforted by hearing Scripture read to him during his final days.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lyla. He is survived by his children: John Gordon Hadley (Catherine), Marybeth Iverson, Ronald Hadley (Sharon), Susan Rose (James), and Ruth Anderson (daughter by choice); 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings Floyd Hadley (Sharon), Warren Hadley (Laura), and Margaret Hiskey (Sam); in-laws Torhild Bury, Darlene Keafer (Sheldon), and Danny Bury (Bonnie); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Melvin’s children would like to recognize the wonderful care and compassion shown to him during his short stay at Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend and Life Care Center. The doctors and nurses there provided exceptional care for both Melvin and his loved ones.

A celebration of Melvin’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Quilcene Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Quilcene Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the Christian mission's agency of your choice or toward research to prevent cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.