August 24, 1923 - October 11, 2017 The son of Lewis and Elizabeth Baumbach, born in Acampo, CA, attended Houston School and graduated from Lodi High School. He was married to Miriam Miller in November of 1946 until her passing in 2012. Mel accepted Christ on March 23, 1958 and was a member of Temple Baptist ever since. Mel had three sons, Garrett (Joann) - Santa Rosa, CA, Robert (Sheila) - Stockton, CA, Lewis - Lodi, CA; seven grandchildren Dustin (Michele), Brooke (Michael), and Matthew (Sarah), Brieanne, Katie, Jacob, and Beau; and six great grandchildren who affectionately called him G-Pa. Mel also has three brothers; Oliver, Paul, and Reuben (deceased). He served as a trustee, deacon, and youth worker for the church, was a member of Gideon International, and was on the Board of Trustees at Live Oak School. He was on multiple agricultural boards such as A.S.C.S., Stabilization Conservation Board (22 years), and the Lafayette Farm Bureau. Mel farmed all his life and was well respected by the farming community. He loved the soil, loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved to golf as much as possible. He served in the Merchant Marines for 2 1/2 years during World War II.
Memorials can be made in his name to Gideon International P.O. Box 971 Lodi, Ca 95241.
SERVICES
Celebration of Life Service will be November 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church, 801 S. Lower Sacramento Rd., Lodi.
INTERMENT
There will be a private burial.