Melvin Jess Jensen

Oct. 14, 1927 - Dec. 27, 2016

Date of Service: Jan. 3, 2017

Melvin Jess Jensen

ACEQUIA – Melvin Jess Jensen, age 89, of Acequia, passed away at home on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Melvin was born October 14, 1927, in Afton, Wyoming, to Jess King Jensen and Florence Droner Cazier. After completing his schooling, Melvin served his country in the United States Army. He then married Shirley LaRue Walton on August 25, 1951, in Elko, Nevada; to this union were born five children.

His lifelong employment since the age of 14 was that of a sheep shearer. Melvin sheared sheep all over the Western states, including 4-H lambs for several counties in Idaho. He was a skilled craftsman of his trade as evidenced by his great workmanship. He loved sheep shearing, as well as all the friends he made along the way. In addition to shearing sheep, he owned his own trucks in which he hauled hay, potatoes and grain.

Melvin had a love for the outdoors and he especially enjoyed fishing and camping.

He is survived by his five children, James Thomas (Kay) Jensen of Winnemucca, Nev., Jenice (Craig) Condie of San Jose, Calif., Melvin Kim Jensen of Rupert, Manila Dawn (Don) Fenstermaker of Burley, and Rhonda (Dean) Shaw of Rupert; his brother, Gerald Jensen of Grace, Idaho; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren and counting, with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; his sister, Relda; and one great-granddaughter, Lillian Mae Jensen.

A graveside service to honor Melvin will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 at the Rupert Cemetery, 450 N. Meridian, of Rupert, with military honors provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.