Mel Shootman
Melvin “Mel” Shootman, 79, of Grant, Neb., passed away on March 19, 2023, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.
Mel was born on Dec. 3, 1943, in Boulder, Colo., to John and Beatrice (Wallace) Shootman. He graduated from Adams City High School of Commerce City, Colo., with the class of ‘62. Mel worked for PIE part-time while in high school and continued to work for PIE after high school graduation.
In 1965, Mel joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego. After his discharge in 1967, he returned to work at PIE.
On Feb. 10, 1968, he married Sandra J. Greco in Denver, and they were blessed with one daughter, Dawn. The family made their home in Northglen, Colo., where Mel continued to work in trucking. He finished his career at Northwestern “NW” and retired in 1995 after 33 years as a teamster, having driven countless miles.
In 1999, Mel and his wife moved to Jamestown, Kan., where he enjoyed helping area farmers and often hauled grain during harvest.
In 2012, the couple moved to Grant. Mel was passionate about antiques and loved shopping for, buying, and selling them. He was also a great storyteller and loved drag racing and old cars.
Mel was proud of his service to the country and loved the United States.
He coached basketball and volleyball while Dawn was growing up and coached co-ed special ed sports while in Kansas, where he loved interacting with kids.
Mel is survived by his wife, Sandra of Grant; daughter, Dawn (Rod) Brantley of Ogallala; granddaughters, Morgan, Madison, and Mayce Brantley; brother, Ronald (Carol) Bradford of Topeka, Kan.; niece, Ginger (Duke) Dougan; nephew, Randy (Heidi) Bradford.
Mel was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, and one nephew.
A memorial has been established in his memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
A memorial service will be held in Thornton, Colo., at a later date, and inurnment will be in the Olinger Cemetery at Thornton.
The Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is assisting the Shootman family.