Frank Joseph Mellis Jr.

Lifelong local resident Frank Joseph Mellis Jr., 77, of Longview passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at Frontier Rehabilitation.

He was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Longview to Frank and Phyllis (Van Blitterswyk) Mellis. His father passed away in 1948. His mother remarried and Frank was raised by his stepfather, James Down.

Frank attended R.A. Long High School. He worked for the Cowlitz County Road Department for 27 years and took pride in his work ethic. He later owned and operated Frank Mellis Enterprises, specializing in excavation and grading. He retired in 2012.

He married Wanda Barker in Longview Sept 27, 1968. They had two children and later divorced, but remained friends.

Frank is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Carol Mellis of Longview; a daughter, Stacey Dunn of Longview; two sisters, Phyllis Sides in Longview and Jackie Methe in Hawaii; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Phyllis Down; A brother, Raymond Mellis; and three sisters, Shirley Hill, Carol Ledbetter and Patty (Down) Mullins.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be announced this summer.