Melvin R. Gunnarson

Melvin R. Gunnarson, ("Cornville Mel") 87, passed Saturday, December 13 in Cottonwood. He was born on September 4, 1921 in Grundy Center, IA. His daughters are hosting a Celebration of his Life Friday, December 19, 2008 from 4-7 pm at Murphy\u0027s Grill 747 S. Main Street, Cottonwood, AZ. He eloped with the love of his life Gloria Jenkins on July 4, 1942. He was a WWII Veteran living in IA until 1956 when he moved his family to Arizona. He and his wife were the 1st husband and wife team to receive their barber license in AZ. In the early 70\u0027s they retired from barbering and moved to their dream home in Cornville, AZ. Mel and Gloria and their associate developed Garden Estates, Melglo Estates and Mt. View Ranchos along with other real estate investment. He was active in the Jerome Elks Lodge, awarded Elk of the Year in 1984. In later life he was part of the Chamber of Commerce\u0027 Chuck Wagon Gang. For many years he provided lambs for 4-H projects and was proud that many were champions. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Anna Gunnarson; his sister Lois Egner and his wife of 48 years, Gloria. Mel is survived by his daughter Sheri Johnson (Tyrone) of Haslett, MI and Linda Miller (Bill) of Kingman, AZ; his grandsons Chief Petty Officer David Cannon currently serving at Pearl Harbor and John Cannon of Phoenix; and his niece Cindy Page (Steve) and family of Cornville; and 2 nephews out of state. His family invites you to attend his Celebration of Life. Join them in sharing memories. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in his memory to Northern Arizona Hospice, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood or Cornville Historical Society. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.