Melvin “Butch” Mognett passed away peacefully, April 10, 2024, he was surrounded by his loving wife and his children.
Melvin was born on a cold winter night in Zion National Park, January 5, 1944, to Jack and Viona Mognett. The nearest hospital was in Cedar City, but Mel couldn’t wait and his Dad delivered him in the back of his car. Mel graduated from Kanab High School where he played football and basketball. He started working with his Dad when he was 10 years old, learning how to operate heavy equipment, the career he pursued all of his life. Mel attended and played basketball at Provo Tech in Provo, Utah and graduated in 1964. That same year, June 12, 1964, he married his sweetheart, Sandra Lukus. Mel joined the Operating Engineers in 1966 and worked throughout Arizona doing what he loved, running heavy equipment, and moving dirt. Mel and Sandy started their family in 1969 with the addition of their baby boy, Brian. They moved back to Fredonia and eventually purchased a D6 Cat. It only seemed reasonable that his Dad Jack, Brother Dan and Mel would start a construction business, JDM Sand and Rock with each contributing a piece of heavy equipment. Together they built many of the infrastructures throughout Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. During that time, they added their daughter, Bridget in 1978 to complete their family.
Mel loved camping, hunting, and spending time with family. We made a lot of wonderful memories at Lake Powell and the Kaibab Mountain.
Mel leaves behind his sweetheart, Sandra, son Brian (Jennifer) and daughter Bridget (Chad) Purvis; Grandchildren – Kaylee, Miles, Jordan, Hayden and Ashlyn; Sisters Patti (Jim) Koons, Linda (Ray) Clark, Molly (Joe) Houston and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Jack and Viona Mognett, brother, Daniel Mognett and brother-in-law, Carl Lukus.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM (AZ Time) in the Fredonia Arizona LDS Church. There will be a viewing from 9:30-10:45 AM (AZ Time) at the Church. Burial will be in the Fredonia Cemetery. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.