On Nov. 21, 2014, our beloved father and grandfather, Milford "Mel" Lewis, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away with his loving wife of 63 years by his side and surrounded by his children and grandchildren who he loved so much. Mel was the fifth of nine children born to Lorenzo and Pearl Lewis on Feb. 27, 1930, in Bloomington, Idaho. After spending his childhood in Bloomington, he relocated several times and spent most of his adult life in Idaho Falls. Mel enlisted in the Navy in Oct. 1950 and after many love letters and a "long" two week courtship, he married the love of his life, Shirley Gale Powell in Idaho Falls on Nov. 8, 1951. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on Oct. 21, 1959. Shortly prior to his discharge from the Navy in 1954, they welcomed their first bundle of joy, Neil Milford Lewis. Their family was not complete until Mel's nephew, Larry, and two nieces, Melanie and Jackie, joined the family. Mel and Shirley unselfishly raised and loved the three children as if they were their own, ultimately adopting them in May 1990. Throughout the course of his long life, Mel held many jobs, most notably the ten years he spent at JR Simplot Livestock Company and upholding the State Brand Inspector title for about twenty years. Mel had a passion for horses! He spent many years chariot racing and his eyes always lit up when he talked about his beloved horse, "Anchor Bee"! Mel is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Ammon; son, Neil (Shelley) Lewis of Rupert; son, Larry (Adele) Lewis of Idaho Falls; daughter, Melanie (Robert) Zitting, of Riverton, Utah; daughter, Jacqueline (Gene) Webster of Ammon; sisters, Verda (Robert) Longhurst, and Marvine (Roy) Herrera, both of Idaho Falls, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elaine Lewis, Leona Payne, Delilah Martinson, LaRee Moran, LaRae Dokken, and brother, Harold Lewis. Funeral services will be conducted at 11;00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at the Ammon West LDS Stake Center, 2055 Coronado, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will meet with friends Monday evening from 6:30-8 p.m., and also an hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Ammon Cemetery under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com