Wayland native Melvin “Mel” Arthur Bartoo died from a sudden illness Sunday, July 10, in Modesto, Calif.

He was born on March 1, 1931, in Wayland. In 1960, Mel moved his family to Ripon, Calif., where he worked in building construction until 1961. It was then that he formed his own construction company, Bartoo Construction, headquartered in Ripon.

Mel accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1998 and has ever since then, been living for the Lord while attending North Modesto Church of God as a faithful member.

Mel is survived by his wife, Joy Bartoo of Modesto; his three children: Beverly Bartoo-Webb (Jeff) of Georgetown TWP, Lee Bartoo of Stockton, CA; Dan Bartoo (Connie) of Jenison; his two sisters: Zada Wycoff of Caledonia, and Judy Schaapman (Bud) of Zeeland,; his seven grand-children: Bradley Webb of Georgetown TWP; Jessica Webb of Georgetown TWP.; Jason Bartoo of Norfolk, Va; Dena Holden (James) of Hanford, CA; Shannon (Jim) of Fresno, CA; Callie Bartoo of Jenison, Sabrina Bartoo of Jenison, and his three great grandchildren: Gage Holden, Macy Holden and London Holden, all of Hanford, CA.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday July 18, at New Hope Free Methodist Church, 5665 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids. A catered meal will be served after the service.