Mel was born in Salt Lake City on December 15th 1928 to Alma Ernest Pratt and Elizabeth Augusta Jones Pratt. The youngest of three boys, they lost their father when Mel was 5 years old. His mom did the best she could raising her boys. The family was poor, but his Grandma Jones made sure the boys at least had a slice of bread to eat. Mel lived his whole life in various houses on 900 South in Salt Lake City.
In 1950 he married Ruby Atkinson, and together they embarked on a lifetime of ups and downs. With the help of his uncle Bud, Mel built the home that he and Ruby, his wife of 72 years still occupy. They raised three kids (Patt, Steve, and Kevin), 8 grandkids (Josh, Terri, Aaron, Cori, Casey, Lisa, Kirsten, and Jason), 22 great grandkids, and 1 great great grandchild on the way!
Mel loved his family, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and having coffee with friends. He ran his own company for many years, prior to that he did all kinds of jobs from roofing, caring for farm animals, unloading boxcars, and being a salesman.
On December 23rd, 2022, Mel passed peacefully and quietly from this life. He was surrounded by family and friends. His health had declined recently, and he spent his final four months at Legacy Memory Care in West Valley. His family would like to express our gratitude for the care he received from the staff there.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby, his kids, Patt Heeding, Steve and Joni Pratt, and Kevin and Cindy Pratt, 7 of his grandchildren, his great grandkids and his first great-great granddaughter on the way, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings (Ralph and Ernie Pratt), Ruby's siblings, and his grandson, Jason Heeding.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be a visitation one hour prior to services at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Bountiful Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above. A free Zoom account is required and you must be logged in to your Zoom account to view.
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how much Mel meant to you all. May God bless and comfort you at this time.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Melvin.
Having known him for over 40 years, he was the kindest most gentle man I know. He will be missed greatly by all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
In loving memory of a wonderful Uncle who will be loved and missed always, the most loving Uncle I was blessed to have.
Mel was a truly genuine man and he will be missed dearly. We send our love!
Sending Condolence on passing of My Uncle Mel, Carolyn Atkinson Capson.
Our hearts are sadden to hear of his passing our heart and prayers go out to Aunt Ruby and her family.
Sorry we will not be able to attend his funeral as Carolyn has her second Chemotherapy treatment tomorrow at Mackay-Dee Hospital for her stage 4 Breast Cancer. Love Carolyn & Kevin Capson