Melvin Gorder

Melvin Edward Gorder, 70, of Poplar died Oct. 13, 2025, at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1955, to Mary Alice and Chris Gorder. He grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar Schools, graduating with the class of 1973. Soon after, he joined the Navy, which took him traveling to various places including Scotland — which he often talked about. He was proud to be a veteran.

Upon returning home after his service, he went to work at West Electronics where he was employed for many years. Melvin was currently in his 15th year working at Poplar schools. He always enjoyed visiting his coworkers and teasing with the ladies in the office. He had a very unique sense of humor, never sugar coated anything and told it just how he thought it was.

He faithfully visited his mother multiple times a week, always delivering her mail, and was there to just keep her company. Although he never had children of his own, “Uncle Mel” was a great uncle to all of his nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed visiting family and friends, drinking coffee, playing poker and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed many rides with his friends Greg Norgaard and the late Doug Colgan.

A highlight for him was attending the Sturgis Rally seven times. Another was traveling to Las Vegas, Nev., with Pat Brunelle to play in the World Poker Series.

He loved music. He played guitar and keyboard and was always working on a song. The first band he played in was Eve’s Mission with all of his Glasgow buddies. He was currently in the band Harvest Moon. As the title of a song he was writing/working on goes, he’s only a Heart Break Away.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Gorder of Poplar; brothers, Paul Gorder of Pittsburgh, Pa., Gene Gorder of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Mike Gorder of Poplar; and sister, Alice Smoker of Poplar.

He was preceded in death by infant brother, Christopher Gorder.

A memorial service was held Thursday, Oct. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Inurnment followed at the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.