Melvin Mullennax

A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood with Pastor Mike Lincoln officiating. Visitation with the family to greet friends will be held one hour prior at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood is caring for Mel and his family.

Melvin Duane Mullennax, 66, of Glenwood, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 27, 2025, following diabetic complications that resulted in respiratory cardiac arrest.

Mel was born on January 2, 1959, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1977, where he participated in drama, speech, choir (earning Division 1 ratings at the State Music Contest), wrestling, and football. He later attended Central College in 1978-79.

On October 22, 1983, Mel married Shari (Schmahl), at Glenwood United Methodist Church. Together they shared 42 years filled with love, faith, laughter, and a whole lot of Iowa Hawkeye football. Their marriage was built on partnership, devotion, and a deep affection that carried them through both joy and hardship.

Mel and Shari also shared a love for serving in their church community, especially with the children’s programs. They spent many years helping with Sunday school, bible school and church activities, creating lasting memories for the kids. One of Mel’s favorite projects was building a starry night backdrop for a church program when Heath was in Sunday school—a piece that still graces the church to this day, a quiet and enduring reflection of his creativity, care, and love for serving others. Mel’s faith in God guided his steps, even when the road wasn’t always easy. Those who knew Mel knew his heart—steady, kind, and sincere. He never hesitated to lend a hand, offer advice, or simply sit and listen when someone needed him most.

Over the years Mel worked for several companies, including Vermeer Manufacturing (Pella, Iowa), Younkers in Des Moines, Collection Specialists and Chilton Credit in Omaha (where he served as Manager of Collections), and later as a Collection Specialist and Fraud Investigator for Nebraska Furniture Mart. Most recently, he worked with Safari Auto Recovery/ Double Eagle Services in Omaha.

A professional tinker and handyman, Mel was known for his meticulous attention to detail—so much so that projects might take a while, but they were always done to perfection. He had a gift for fixing just about anything and took pride in doing it right.

Mel loved his family with all his heart. He was a devoted husband, a proud father to Derek, Heath, and Jared, and a loving Grandpa to Jeremiah and Elijah. His family was his greatest joy and his truest legacy. Whether he was telling stories that made everyone laugh, cheering on the Hawkeyes, or simply spending time together at home, Mel’s love could be felt in every word, every hug, every shared smile.

He was also known for his quick wit, big heart, and steadfast faith. Even through challenges, he met life with determination, grace, and humor. Those who loved him will remember his kindness, his loyalty, and the way he made everyone feel valued and seen.

Preceded in death by his dad, Melvin Eugene Mullennax; Sister Nona Mae Houdesheldt; Father-in-Law Ade Schmahl and wife Verla; Mother-in-Law Diane Lewis and husband Ken Lewis.

Carrying on memories of Mel are his wife, Shari Schmahl Mullennax; sons, Derek, Heath (Marcella), and Jared; Mother Ramona Mullennax; siblings, Mona (Jim) Van Zomeren, Virgil Houdesheldt, and Douglas (Sharon) Mullennax; Grandsons, Jeremiah Mullennax and Elijah Mullennax; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23