At the age of 9, Mel moved with his family to Omaha in October of 1942, and then to Scribner in 1948. His father, Elmer Armstrong, purchased McKay's Tavern on March 1, 1948. Mel attended school in Scribner, graduating in 1950. He returned to Omaha where he worked for Union Pacific until 1954. He returned to Scribner in 1954 and opened Mel's Bar at it's present location on January 9, 1954. He also worked for the US Postal Service as a substitute mail carrier for 21 years and a full time carrier for 9 years.
On May 27, 1957, Mel was married to Donna Bissell. They were married for 21 years. Mel and Donna purchased the Hasebrook Locker and Market on December 5, 1959. They renovated the meat market area and opened Mel's Lounge in that space on April 25, 1971. Mel sold to his son Elmer, on July 31, 1982, and then Elmer and his wife Jane, sold Mel's on June 30, 2000. The Armstrong family had the bar business in Scribner for 52 years.
Mel was a member of the Congregational Church in Scribner. He had served as a Scribner volunteer fire fighter, on the Scribner City Council, Scribner Chamber of Commerce, and was founding member of the Scribner Improvement & Industrial Board.
Mel is survived by his companion of 28 years, Beverly Hammond of Fremont. one daughter Dawn (husband Ron) Cech of Howells, 2 sons Elmer (wife Jane) Armstrong of Scribner, and Ken (wife Celeste) Armstrong of Overland Park, KS; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer (Ed) Crouse of Lincoln, Cindy Hruska of Lincoln, Linsey Armstrong of Scribner, Joann, Donna, and Sara Armstrong of Overland Park, KS, three great grandsons Ed IV, Ron, and John Crouse of Lincoln, and several nieces and nephews.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife, father and mother, two sisters and their spouses, Ione and Dick Long and Shirley and Elmer Osterloh.
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Tuesday (July 12, 2011) in the Congregational Church in Scribner with Larry Jirsak officiating. The committal will follow in the Scribner Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Congregational Church, the Scribner Fire Dept., and the Scribner Area Foundation.
Visitation will be Sunday (July 10th) at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont with the family from 3 to 5 PM. Visitation will also be in Scribner at the Scribner Funeral Chapel on Monday (July 11th) from 3 to 8 PM with the family present from 5 to 7 PM.
Condolences(12)
JON WIESE
LONGWOOD, FL Wednesday, July 13, 2011 I will always have many, many good memories of Mel. As a little kid, he had the biggest candy bars in town. Always a smile, always looking for a good time. Whether he was fishing, hunting pheasants, playing cards or just having a good time, he was a pleasure to be around. Now is Mel's time to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family.Dale & Barb DeRiese
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Elmer, Dawn, Ken and families, We were saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Oh, the fun memories we have of your Mom, Dad, and Mel's Bar. Dale and I extend our deepest sympathies to all of you.Terry and Sandra Arnett
Pratt, KS Monday, July 11, 2011 We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We wish we could be there with you this week but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We appreciate your friendship and are with you in mind and spirit. We love you all!Stan & Ione Popken
Fremont, NE Monday, July 11, 2011 A little tap on the shoulder when seated in the high school assembly hall, or years later a little tap on the shoulder while shopping with Bev in Hy-Vee, you always turned around to see the smiling face of Mel. Such a friendly fellow. He will be missed. May his memory bring smiles to your face and at this time may God's peace and comfort come to you. Our sympathy, Ione (&Stan) PopkenBruce & Lisa (Wiese) Sedivy
Waverly, NE Sunday, July 10, 2011 Dawn, Elmer, Kenny, and families, We're so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I always remember Mel with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bruce & Lisa (Wiese) SedivyGary & Meradean Gifford & Dorothy Dobson
Marshalltown, IA Friday, July 8, 2011 Bev, so sorry to hear of your loss. So nice you were able to enjoy each other's companionship for several years. Keep active and maintain your regular schedule. That helped my aunt Mildred after she lost her husband. Our sincere sympathies.Annette Williams
Marshall, Wi Friday, July 8, 2011 Beverly, I was saddened to hear of Mels' passing. I always enjoyed spending time with Mel. He was a delight and put a smile on many faces. How fortunate you were to be able to partner with him. My sincere sympathies. Annette WilliamsBill Smith
Bennington, NE Friday, July 8, 2011 Iam so sorry for you loss, we know Mel will be missed by all of his family and friends. I went on several great fishing trips to Canada with him and Elmer. That's were we caught the big ones. I am sure Elmer remembers the wonderful times we always had. My best wishes to all of Mel's family. Bill SmithLarry Moeller
Manhattan, KS Friday, July 8, 2011 As a farm kid, I spent lots of time in Mel's Bar with/waiting for my Dad to take me home. So, I/we got to know a lot of the patrons of Mel's, and to know Mel himself who was always kind and generous to us little kids, esp late at night. We slept more than a few nights in the back booths of Mel's; Mel would turn off lights in back to help us out. I will always have good memories of Mel and his establishment as my home away from home. Thanks for the memories, Mr.& Mrs. Armstrong, Larry MoellerAmy Maslonka
Fremont, Ne Friday, July 8, 2011 Mel was such a wonderful man. I really enjoyed caring for him. He will be greatly missed!!! Merrick Manor will not be the same. My prayers to all his family and friends. He is in heaven now watching over all of us. Miss you Melvin!Jim Metschke
Lincoln, NE Thursday, July 7, 2011 Elmer, Ken and family, Condolences and blessings on your loss. May the years of memories comfort you all during this time of grieving and celebration of your dad's wonderful life.Marsha Brown
Valley, Ne Thursday, July 7, 2011 Elmer, I am very sorry to hear of your Father's passing. May you find comfort in all of the wonderful memories~ Sincerely, Marsha Brown