Date of Birth: September 20, 1949

Date of Death: November 05, 2023

Melvin Kaye Ingram of Waddell, AZ passed away on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at the age of 74. Mel (also known as Papa or Coach to many) was born in Belfonte, PA on September 20th, 1949 to Joseph Way Ingram and Catherine Griffin Ingram. At the age of 12, Mel and his family moved to Longmont, CO in 1961. It was there that Mel first laid eyes on his beauty from Boulder, Patrica Wilson, that ultimately led to 55-year romance. Mel graduated from Longmont High School in 1968. Some of Mel’s unwavering virtues included hard work, service to others, always finishing what you start, and to love abundantly. As Mel and Patty married right out of high school on November 30th, 1969, they started a marriage and foundation that would become the backbone to Mel’s patriarch leadership and family success. In 1966, Mel started working at Food Giant in Longmont and in 1973 began his 30-year truck driving career where he went to work for Boulder-Denver Truckline (BDT) and then onto Roadway Express. In 1975, Mel began his fatherhood with the birth of his first Son, Shawn Joseph Ingram. Mel’s second son, Joshua Chad Ingram, was born in 1979, fulfilling his family. After Mel’s retirement from driving a semi-truck in 2003, Father and son would create a 20+ year landscaping business and leave a legacy that Josh will continue. For those who knew Mel, aka "Coach", he dedicated over 12-years coaching youth sports not only to his own boys, but to the community of kids in Longmont. In 1988, Mel would be given the honor to become the President of the Longmont Youth Football League. More significantly, it was during this time where Mel would become a mentor and role model. It was here on the playing field where he would guide these young men in becoming responsible boys; keep them out of trouble while making them all feel accomplished. He would tell anyone he coached to, “Always keep it between the lines”. Mel always rooted for the underdog and would ensure all kids always got an opportunity to play. While Mel’s youth football teams won several city championships, his real success was making these young men champions of life. Mel’s life was solely focused on creating a better life for his family. He was loving, kind, generous, fun-spirited, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He cherished time with his grandchildren and treasured family time during the holidays; making sure that everyone felt loved and welcomed. Papa never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and rarely missed one of their dance recitals, 4-H, sports or school events. Mel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patty; his two sons, Shawn Ingram (wife Amie) of Windsor, CO and Josh Ingram of Chandler, AZ along with three grandchildren, Aubrey Ingram (fiancé Conner); Lakyn Denton; and Dustin Ingram (wife Beth) , two step-grandchildren, Kyle and Dylan Box, and his first expecting great-grandchild, Emerson. Mel is also survived by his brothers Sam Ingram, Bob Ingram (wife Sherry) and Dick Ingram, sister Pat Roberts (husband Roy). Additional family survivors include Danny Wilson, Kelly Ellison, Richard Ellison, Cindy Maxwell, Barbara Kellsy and Cherie Hollsten as well as a host of other nieces and nephews as well as friends and family.

Service Information

A memorial service will be held at Mel & Patty's home on December 3rd, 2023 at 2:00PM (8401 North 178th Avenue, Waddell, AZ 85355).