Joel's obituary

Joel Richard Mellor

January 15, 1955 – January 21, 2026

Joel Richard Mellor was born January 15, 1955, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Joel Kimball Mellor and Mary Lou Hatch, and was raised in Spokane, Washington. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joel served a full-time mission in Paris, France, and maintained a lifelong love of the French people and culture. He attended Brigham Young University and the University of Washington, earning a degree in Microbiology before building a respected career in financial planning and later founding his own firm. He was known for his integrity, calm judgment, and genuine care for others.

On July 11, 1978, Joel married Jennie Margaret Harris. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Oakland California Temple and raised seven children together. Joel served faithfully in many church callings, including Bishop of the Bellevue 2nd Ward, finding special joy in working with youth.

Joel loved people, learning, travel, and service. His steady faith in Jesus Christ and his quiet kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.

In recent years Joel and Jennie left their family home of decades in Bellevue, WA and moved to Pocatello Idaho, joined by Jennie's parents Donald and Diane Harris, and near Alyssa, Kristina, and their families. Their home in Idaho is lovingly referred to as "The Old Folk's Home". 

Joel passed away peacefully at home after a brief battle with cancer and recent declining health. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Joel K & Mary Lou Mellor He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie, his children, and grandchildren:

Joel D. (Sarah), Joel Kai, Nola;

Kristina Wi (Bryce), Rachel, Jenna, Brayden, Natalie, Hailey;

Richard (Karen), Owen, Logan, Sophie, Colton, Noah;

Michael (Monica), Mia, James, Bibiana, Sienna;

Daniel (Kelsee), Andersen, Gary;

Alyssa Birch (Greg), Ryker, Dax, Kai, Iley, Charlotte, Georgia;

Stephen (Sabra);

And his siblings: Kim Mellor (Sue); Marsha Graesser (David); Allison Davis (Kirk); Megan Hartwig (Kyle).

(please see the obituary link for many wonderful pictures)

https://everloved.com/life-of/joel-mellor/obituary/