Melbern Rabourn

Melbern W. "Mel" Rabourn, age 85, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2008 in Gillette, Wyoming of natural causes. Mel was born December 29, 1922 in LaJunta, Colorado the son of Elonzo and Bessie (Wheeler) Rabourn. Mel graduated from LaJunta High School in 1941, following graduation he went to Burbank California to work at Lockheed Aircraft where he spent the war years. Mel left there and went to work for Northroup Aircraft for 16 years. During this time he met and married Carolyn Fisher Lane. In 1965 they moved to the Fisher ranch north of Rozet, Wyoming where he spent the rest of his days. Carolyn died January 2, 1995. Mel enjoyed building radio controlled model airplanes and any thing to do with airplanes. He also enjoyed world travel and went to many places. He enjoyed hunting season so he could visit with his hunting friends from many places. He met Doris Young and enjoyed her company for many years as a traveling companion and very dear friend playing cards and other things with their circle of friends. He had the very good fortune of employing Kim Gunnels shortly after Carolyn's death and Kim saw to it that life was as pleasant as it could possibly be for him. Melis survived by his dear friends; Doris Young and Kim Gunnels, 2 nieces and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, stepdaughter Shirley Crowley, two sisters, Lorene Bacon and Muriel Clark. A memorial has been established in Mel's name for the North East Wyoming Hospice Hospitality House or to the Denver Children's Hospital. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Mel's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com