Melvin James Dayringer

Melvin J. Dayringer, 90, of Albuquerque,

New Mexico, passed away October 23, 2018 at the Bellamah House assisted living center. He died within one week of reaching his 91st birthday. Born in 1927 in North Star, Michigan, Mel was a World War II Navy veteran stationed in Connecticut. After his stint in the Navy, Mel served 20 years in the Army. Prior to his retirement from the Army, he was a Chief Warrant Officer working with the Sergeant missile system.During that time he served two overseas assignments in Germany and one in Japan. Following his retirement from the Army, Mel and his family established their residence in Albuquerque where he worked on a laser project with Rocketdyne. After his retirement from Rockedyne, Mel, having the mind of an engineer, designed and built unique folding furniture pieces which he sold at craft shows across a four-state area. He continued to build furniture up until the last couple years prior to his death. From the time he moved to Albuquerque and continuing up until his death, Mel’s most enjoyable hobby was raising unique pigeon breeds. He had more genealogy on his birds than most people have on their families. He also served as President of the Albuquerque Pigeon Club. Mel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Loretta; a brother, Frank Dayringer of California; a daughter, Cynthia (Dayringer) Sohl and her husband, Christopher of Norman; a son, Melvin James Dayringer, II of Albuquerque; and two granddaughters, Laura Sohl-Smith and her husband, Jeff Smith; and Christal Sohl and her husband, Hans Aerni. He also survived by an extended family of nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his mother and father, Beulah and Frank Dayringer; a brother, Kenneth Dayringer; and a sister, Evelyn Opdycke.

His family has entrusted his care to French-University, 1111 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, N.M. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH-University. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH-University, burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe, Santa Fe, N.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa Angelica, 5629 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 (or at www. casaangelica.org) where Mel had donated several of his custom-made furniture items over the years. Please visit our online guestbook for Melvin at www.FrenchFunerals.com.