Melvin Lee Rose, “Bear”, 79, of Amarillo died Monday, May 16, 2022.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Burial will be at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Melvin was born September 26, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan to M.J. and Leola Rose. He graduated high school from Coopersville High School, Coopersville, Michigan in 1960, and relocated to Amarillo the day after graduation.
Melvin worked many jobs over the years. He worked as a delivery driver at Sears for 15 years. He then went on to work for Pantex starting in 1977, where he retired after 27 years with the plant. He enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife Glenda and their sons to race bicycles, motorcycles, and, more recently, cars. He was like a father figure to many kids over the years at the bike track and skating rink. He was always helping those he thought could use a helping hand.
Melvin was an avid MOPAR owner who scoured wrecking yards, city streets, and every back road looking for cars and parts. One of his many hobbies included being a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. His passion was fixing and restoring cars, motorcycle racing and car racing. He was the 2-time track champion crew chief for the #56 at Route 66 Motor Speedway.
He was preceded in death by his wife Glenda Rose in 2015; and his brothers Leland Rose of Houston, in 2010, and Doug Rose of Grand Haven, MI, in 2013.
Survivors include his 2 daughters Tracy Shepard and husband Bill of Amarillo, Autumn Maxwell and husband Brian of Cave Springs, AR; 5 sons Melvin Rose II and wife Tammy of Amarillo, Chris Rose and wife Charla of Lake Tanglewood, Jody Rose and wife Lisa of Amarillo, Randall Rose and wife Michelle of Amarillo, Michael Rose and wife Jeri of Amarillo; 2 brothers Steve Rose and wife Dolores of Nunica, MI, Dave Rose and wife Dorothy of Spring Lake, MI; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many life-long friends.
A very special thanks to Legacy Rehabilitation Memory Care unit and BSA Hospice of the Southwest.
The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity.
The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the funeral home.
Our most sincere and deepest condolences to the Rose Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family during this most difficult time. We pray for comfort and peace.
God Bless,
Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Bustos
Randall you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I had the pleasure of working with Melvin “Bear” during the early-1980’s at Pantex. Such a great guy who helped mentor me as a new hire in the department. I always enjoyed our conversations about motorcycles and racing. My sincere condolences to the family.
Was a great 👍 guy talked with maney a time at work
So sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of Melvin especially motorcycle and bike racing when we were kids.
Prayers and Love.
My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Love you very much.
Pam Gonce