Melvin L. Abra's Obituary
Melvin Leroy Abra
Mel Abra, 88, of Puyallup, Washington passed peacefully on March 17, 2018. Mel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Ramona. Mel and Mona met at the officer’s club at Fort Lewis where they were working, and it was love at first sight. Shortly thereafter, Mel was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War. Mel and Mona were married on November 10, 1951, before he shipped out overseas. Mel survived the war but returned home with a grave lung condition that left him hospitalized for nearly a year at American Lake VA hospital. Mel and Mona got to know each other better during this time and she was rarely far from his side.
Upon his recovery, Mel became employed by Globe Ticket Co. of Tacoma where he worked as a printer/pressman until he retired in 1989. During his time of employment, he became shop steward and volunteered his time with the union and fellow employees. He also was key in helping organize the company picnics, for which he gave great effort to make sure everyone had a wonderful time.
Mel was a wonderful family man as they came first in his life. Mel and Mona began their family in a tiny home in Parkland, WA and later relocated their growing family to Puyallup. Many lasting friendships were formed where they lived. Some of the activities the family enjoyed together with Mel leading were camping, fishing, motorcycle riding, and enjoying Spanaway Speedway Race track. Later in life, he helped the whole family develop quite a zest for hockey games. He also enjoyed family events and holidays. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July as he loved setting off fireworks!
Mel is survived by 5 adult children. Daughter Melva LaForge and her husband George reside in Sequim, WA. Son, Allen Abra and his wife Sharon reside in Tacoma, WA. Daughter Candice Moyer and her husband Jerry reside in Springfield, OH. Daughter Monica Steward resides in Orting, WA. Youngest daughter, Jeannette Boitano resides in Lacey, WA. He has 8 grandchildren; Micki (Tim) Mortenson , Brian (Tori) LaForge , Joshua (Bree) Sallander , Holly (Dave) Beichley , Ivy Abra, Ciara Stewart, Dallas Stewart, Skylar Stewart. He also has 8 great-grandchildren: Mitch Mortenson, Jared Mortenson, Owen LaForge, Hailie Beichley, Skyler Beichley, Cullen Sallander, Declan Sallander and Jesiah McDaniel. He also has one great-great grandson, Kaiden Mortenson.
A Funeral Service for Mel will be held at 1:00PM, Sunday, March 25, 2018 in the Garden Chapel. A reception will follow in the Oak Room at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lakewood and all are welcome to come and share memories of Mel.
Please share your memories of Mel and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
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