David Louis “Joe” Mello was born October 2nd 1949 in Lovelock Nevada to Betty and Manual Mello. He left this earthly life on April 18th 2015 in Nampa Idaho.
When Joe was a young man his family moved from Lovelock to Fallon Nevada, where he lived until he joined the Army. He was stationed in New Jersey where he met and married Barbara Bushek. They had 1 child Brandi Jo. They later divorced, and he married Darlene Lee “Pat” Thompson, becoming a step dad to Polly Gogert and Dale Burleson. They remained married until her death in 2006.
Throughout Joe’s life he had many jobs. He was a banker, police officer, ran a gas/services station, owned his own trucking business: Idaho Western Express, where he met his best friend Arnold Burr. He later worked for Kar services and then as a poker dealer. He loved fishing and hunting. He would compete in shoot shot gun competitions at the Boise Gun Club. He was a lifetime member of the EE-Da-How Long Rifles where he competitively shot and helped run many rendezvouses. For many years his license plate read 50-4X, because that was one of his best targets ever shot. Many of you that knew him, know how competitive he was. He loved gambling and poker was his weakness. He once was able to fulfill a dream of his and was able to play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas Nevada.
He spent the last 4 years of his life with his companion Wendy Myrik.
He is preceded in death by his mother Betty Case, his father Manuel Mello, his step father Alva Case, his wife Darlene “Pat” Mello and his sister Jeannie Mello Watson.
He is survived by his daughter Brandi Jo Surber and her husband Howard, of Nampa Idaho, His step daughter Polly Gogert and her husband Larry, of Lovelock Nevada. Step Son Dale Burleson of Mesquite Nevada and Chengdu China. His brothers Don Mello and his wife Sandra and Garrnett Mello and his wife Dennise and sister Ava Case all of Fallon Nevada. Also his brother Mike Mello of Elk Grove California. Grand children: Darla, Darrell, Denise, Kevin, Brittnay and Ashley and many great grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial services was held May 1st, 7PM at Zeyer Funeral Home, Nampa Idaho. Joe’s ashes will be buried at Big Meadow Cemetery with a graveside service to be held in June.
