Melvin LeRoy Burr

Melvin LeRoy Burr, 86, of Gering, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Heritage Estates in Gering. A private family inurnment was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill.

It is respectfully requested that memorials in Melvin's honor be made in care of the Morrill Fire Department, cards can be sent to Cindy at 70368 County Road D, Morrill, NE 69358. Online condolences may be made by viewing Melvin's memorial page at http://www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.

Melvin LeRoy Burr, born on May 18th, 1937, passed away on May 6th, 2024, at the age of 86. Mel was born to LeRoy Burr and Josephine VanAller Burr on a farm near Bushnell, NE. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1955. He was eventually drafted into the Army in 1961 where he served in a MASH unit until he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1963. In 1964 he married Cynthia Schultz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Schultz of Morrill, NE and soon after they moved to Fort Collins, CO, where they lived for 50 years.

In his younger years, Mel found joy in riding BSA motorcycles, flying his airplane, and diving into home remodeling. For 36 years, he skillfully owned and operated Mel's Automotive Machine Shop, showcasing his mastery as a machinist in Kimball, NE, Loveland and Fort Collins, CO. 

A collector at heart, Mel had a keen eye for classic cars and treasured antiques, memorabilia, and odds and ends.

Mel enjoyed simple pleasures like eating cheeseburgers and having a cold Coors Light in a frosty mug. His natural talents spanned the arts, from drawing and singing to playing the clarinet and piano. In every challenge, Mel exhibited his MacGyver-like ingenuity, finding solutions and creating engineering marvels with his hands. 

Above all, Mel was a devoted husband to his beloved Cindy, sharing 59 years of love and partnership. As a father, he enjoyed supporting his daughter Liz in her softball endeavors, always ready with donuts for the team and cheering her on with pride. He encouraged in his daughter, Sarajane, a love of music and spirited ideological discussions.

Mel was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Burr, daughters Elizabeth Swenson (Jeffrey) and Sarajane Burr-Haynes (Robert), and grandchildren Cole and Lyla Swenson, Sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Bob Vanderklish, a niece and several nephews.