A live broadcast of the service an be found at:

https://zoom.us/j/95639109322?pwd=UW54U2VJNllESnp3NWN4Z1VNMEF2UT09

Melvin Leon Kirkham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many passed away on June 5, 2023 at his home surrounded by family following a brief struggle with Lymphoma.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 20, 1934, the eldest son to William Leon Kirkham and Violet Florence Robbins. He attended Lehi High graduating in 1953 and was active in student affairs and athletics. He participated in basketball, track, tennis and cultivated his life-long love for gardening in the FFA. He was an avid member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Eagle rank and attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree. He was a talented musician and multi-instrumentalist, forming his first dance band, The Mel Kirkham Band, while still in high school. He later played professionally in other bands including The Blue Notes and The Corsairs. He served a mission for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission. Following his Church service, he began his education at BYU and joined the National Guard.

Mel married the love of his life, Lueen Peterson, on March 12, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their first home in their beloved Lehi, Utah and have spent the majority of their lives there since, participating actively in local government and community events. They proceeded to have seven children, 28 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Mel loved his family deeply, prioritized spending time with them, and regarded them as his greatest achievement.

Mel had a long and distinguished career in banking graduating from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. He held leadership positions at Valley Bank and Trust, Zions Bank, and ultimately served on the Board of Directors for the Bank of American Fork.

Mel was a man of faith and served the Church faithfully in many positions including a second full time mission, joined by his wife Lueen, to the Hawaii, Honolulu mission. In addition, he found much joy in listening to jazz music, maintaining a pristine yard and garden, golfing, hunting, and fishing. Mel's love of family traditions, including golf and tennis tournaments, skeet shooting, Thanksgiving bowling, and annual reunions, kept family ties strong.

He is survived by his wife, Lueen and children, Michelle (Daniel) Starley, Alpine; Todd (Christina) Kirkham, Lehi; Melanie (Mike) Houghton, Lehi; Darin (Jarris) Kirkham, American Fork; Jennifer (Jim) Ballard, Lehi; Judd (Natalie) Kirkham, Lehi; Anilee (Shane) Peterson, Lehi; and by 28 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Robert, Richard, Norman, Linda, Leona, and Margie. He was preceded in death by his parents William Leon and Violet Kirkham and by his sister, Connie Nielsen.

Services will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11am in the Lehi Central Stake Center; 200 North Center Street, Lehi, Utah. Friends may call Sunday evening, June 11, from 6-8pm at the Wing Mortuary and Monday from 9:30-10:30am prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.