Melvin Wood Obituary Melvin Gerald Wood, age 97, of Boise, Idaho, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024. Melvin was born February 5, 1927, in Kearney, Nebraska, the son of John and Mary Wood. He was raised on a 400-acre farm in Amhearst, Nebraska. He went to a one-room schoolhouse mile from the farm. Just after World War II began in 1941, Melvins family sold their farm and moved to Idaho. This decision was made because times were hard and friends had written that there was work in Nampa. After arriving in Nampa, they purchased an 80- acre farm and Melvin started school at Nampa High School. They attended church at Northside Nazarene Church where Melvin met his future wife. Melvin married Betty L Gould July 1, 1948, and theyve been married nearly 76 years! Bettys dad, Lloyd Gould, built a two-bedroom home for them on 40 acres. They sold milk and Melvin did carpentry work as a second job. Melvin joined the Air Force National Guard in January, 1951, during the Korean War. He and Bettys cousin, Leon Bruner and his wife, Telva, were stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Georgia, for basic training. After spending time stationed at George Air Force Base, Victorville, California, Melvin, Betty and Patty (born September 1, 1951), returned home to Nampa. Son, Dwayne, was born March 23, 1955, the same year Melvin started reading meters in rural Nampa for Idaho Power Company. Several years later, Melvin transferred to Idaho Powers General Office in Boise, working as an accountant. Son, Gary, was born September 29, 1959. During these years Melvin worked evenings and Saturdays with Bettys father building and renovating houses. He missed his growing up on a farm, and in 1969, he built a home on an acre planting a large garden area. Prior to retirement from Idaho Power Company in 1991, he and Betty moved to a smaller home with less work. After suffering some health issues and he and Betty losing some eyesight, they decided it was time to move into a retirement center. Melvin and Betty were members of the 1st Church of the Nazarene in Boise, Idaho, for many years. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Boise, daughter, Patty (Ray), Boise, and Gary (Carla), Boise. Grandchildren include Aaron (Kimra) Parsons, Kellee (Nathan) Murphy, John, (Julia) Wood, Maria (Nate) Willacy, Shawn (Angie) Wood, Andrew Wood and Bethany Wood, all of Boise. Great grandchildren are Garrett, Carter and Cameron Parsons, Elizabeth Murphy, Liam and Owen Wood, Franklin and Eliza Willacy and Josie Wood, all of Boise. Melvin is also survived by a niece, Carol (Howard) Steward, Boise and nephew, Ron (Nancy) Wood, Phoenix, Arizona. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents: John and Mary Wood, step-mother: Stacy Wood, brother: Glenn Wood, son: Dwayne Wood, and two grandchildren: Taylor Wood and Tuesday Parsons. A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, May 21, 1:00 pm at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave S, Nampa, Idaho. The family will greet loved ones and friends after the service followed by a brief burial service at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery. Tax deductible donations in Melvins memory may be made by sending a check payable to: Cole Valley Christian Scholarship Fund For Taylor Wood Vo-Tech Scholarship. Mail to Cole Valley Christian, 200 E Carlton Ave, Meridian, ID 83642. Services Celebration of Life Tuesday May 21, 2024 1:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651