Melvin Lindley “Lefty” Lovorn

Melvin Lindley “Lefty” Lovorn, 82, of Portales died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1923, in Goree, Texas, to Nell and Walter Lovorn.

For 20 years he was a salesman for Holsum Bread Company. Later, he and his wife owned and operated the Sands Restaurant, but his real love was building and selling houses. He served in the Navy during World War II as an air traffic controller. Following the war he returned to Portales and married Adele Harp on April 4, 1947.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served Portales as a city councilman for several years in the early 1980s. For the past 16 years he enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Helen Brown, and a brother, Walter Lovorn.

Survivors include his wife, son Neil Lovorn (and his wife Lynn) of Canyon, Texas; daughter, Karla Lovorn of Blue Water; grandchildren, Cody, Kyle and Matt Lovorn; sister, Polly Radcliffe of Dallas; and father-in-law, Jack Williamson of Portales.

The Rev. Harry Riser will officiate.

Burial is at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Cody Lovorn, Kyle Lovorn, Matthew Lovorn, Bill Dalley, Roy Rackler and Ernest Leach.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Ave. C, Portales, NM, 88130.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.