Melvin Dean Freckleton

September 27, 1939 - December 5, 2025

Melvin Dean ("Bucky", "Red", or "Mel") Freckleton of Grand View, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 5, 2025. Melvin was born September 27, 1939, in his family home outside Rupert, Idaho, the son of Amy Isora Groseclose and William Leroy Freckleton. He was raised in Boise, graduating from Boise High School in 1959. Melvin married Alberta "Bert" Irene Adams on December 16, 1961, having two children, Perry "Pete" Dean Freckleton, and Bruce Alan Freckleton.

While in his late teens, Melvin began working for Idaho Neon, later Image National, and Golden West, spending his entire working career in the commercial sign industry. He also served as a firefighter in the Idaho Air National Guard, 124th Fighter Group.

Melvin traveled extensively in his early career, installing signage in Albertson's stores and other locations in the western half of the United States. Later, he worked more locally managing field repair of existing signage. Even though he was on the road a great deal during his young children's lives, he remained a dedicated father and provider, exemplifying selflessness, great integrity, and character. Melvin and Alberta later divorced in 1982, and in 1984, Melvin married Karen Fisher Inglis.

Melvin was very handy and resourceful, always willing to help a neighbor in need. He was especially talented in electrical and metal works. He remodeled and expanded the family home, only contracting out the digging of the foundation, and stacking a stone fireplace. Many neighbors and friends sought his help with various projects including building wood stoves, utility trailers, wood splitters, and other custom or original projects. The family has many fond memories of camping and hunting in the great Idaho outdoors including pack trips with horses and mule string in the deep back country of the Middle Fork of the Boise River.

Melvin is preceded in death by his second wife, Karen Freckleton; brother, Delbert Leroy Freckleton; sisters: Evelyn Elenor Delano, Bonny Amy Pollard, and Donna Carol Carothers.

Melvin is survived by his sons "Pete" Freckleton (Anne Marie Bebber), of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Bruce Freckleton (Connie), of Meridian, Idaho; grandchildren Austin Dean Freckleton, David Ethan Freckleton (Nicole), Alexia JoLynn Freckleton-Langenfeld (Tyler), Hope Katherina Freckleton-Heuring (Matt), and five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We hold Melvin in our hearts. He will be remembered and missed by everyone fortunate enough to have met him.

Graveside services pending.