- Date Of Birth: October 10, 1930
- Date Of Death: March 13, 2018
- State: Colorado
Mel, age 87, was lovingly welcomed into heaven on March 13, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Leader who entered heaven on December 9, 2008.
Mel was born on October 10, 1930 in Moline, Illinois to the late Thomas and Gertrude (Levin) Leader. He accepted Christ at 17 years of age. After high school he obtained advanced education in electronics. He joined the US Navy in 1952 where he worked as an electronics technician until his discharge in 1955. While serving in the Navy in San Diego, he met the Navigators.
He served in Wiesbaden, Germany; Naples, Italy and Hawaii. He married Nancy Smith on March 9, 1963. He met his darling Nancy at Glen Eyrie where she was working as a secretary for Rod Sargent.
He was a man who knew and memorized scripture. When he “came along side you”, you knew you had a friend who was concerned for your eternity. Over the years Mel led more Bible Studies in his home than one could count. In those studies one always felt at home. Those attending knew the word of God would be honored and studied. Mel was central to the training of Navigator 2:7 Bible Study leaders in nine different states.
Mel’s most cherished accomplishment was his family. His oldest son, Grant was born in Hawaii; Gary was born in South Carolina; Doug in Kentucky and Dan, in Colorado Springs, CO. Mel and Nancy dearly loved their four boys and enjoyed camping with them on their property near Cripple Creek.
After Mel’s retirement from the Navigators he continued his ministry of “coming alongside” through Bible Studies in his home and one on one.
In 2013 when Mel’s health deteriorated, his son, Grant along with his wife Jeannine and daughter Christa moved to Colorado Springs from Anchorage, Alaska to care for him on a daily basis. He was blessed to have family lovingly care for him and his needs until the last three months of his life at which time he lived in Assisted Living. Mel enjoyed reading his Bible, working on electronics and streaming on his iPad up to his very last months. Mel is survived by sons Grant (Jeannine), Gary (Shannon), Doug, Dan (Sheryl); and five beautiful grandchildren, Christa (23), Alexis (21), Olivia (17) and twins, Joshua and Zachary (11). He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Nancy.
Shepherds Ministries
1805 15th Ave. Union Grove, WI 53182
Phone: 262-878-5620.
