Melvin Dale Bellinger

Melvin Dale Bellinger lived a life defined by steady service, practical kindness, and a quiet commitment to doing what needed to be done. He was born in Ansley, Nebraska, to Olin Alexander Bellinger and Vella Mae (Staab) Bellinger. Melvin grew up in the close-knit rhythms of small-town and farm life. In 1937, the expanding Bellinger family moved to Arcadia, Nebraska, where Olin traded cows, horses, and machinery for a Gambles Store. In 1943, the family moved again—this time to a farm in Berwyn, Nebraska—where they remained for more than three decades. Melvin loved sharing stories from those early years, especially the moments that marked a changing America: the arrival of REA electricity; light came to their home, and indoor plumbing arrived; thats when the outhouse became an unused relic. He told those stories not to dwell on hardship, but to teach gratitude and perspective—lessons he wove naturally into everyday life with his three sons, Mike, Dave, and Mark. From their earliest memories, his sons learned two standards that guided Melvin’s approach to life. The first was punctuality: “early is on-time, on-time is late, late is unacceptable.” The second was integrity: “do the right thing, at the right time, at the right place, just because it is the right thing to do.” When praised for it, he would often shrug it off: “It’s no big deal. It’s just what you do.” Melvin graduated from Ansley High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska in 1957; later beginning graduate work in the same field. He spent his career as an agricultural economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A loyal Husker fan to the end, he loved Big Red with the same steady faithfulness he brought to everything else. In March 1957, Melvin was introduced to DeLoris Beltz through a mutual friend. At a casual get-together, he made a memorable first impression by stealing and hiding her shoes—mischievous, bold, and just funny enough to work. Their story became a voyage of nearly 70 years, with Melvin’s quick wit and humor an integral part of family life. Melvin and Dee (as they were affectionately known) married in March 1959. Soon after, family needs reshaped their plans. When Melvin’s father, Olin, suffered a heart attack, Melvin and DeLoris returned immediately to the Berwyn farm. For four years, they lived in a small trailer house near the cattle lot in front of the farmhouse—doing what was needed, without complaint. The birth of their first son, Michael, brought them great joy during this time. Their life together carried them from Nebraska to Lincoln, then to Huron, South Dakota (where their second son David was born), back to Lincoln (where third son Mark was born), and eventually to Virginia, which became home for the next 50 years. Those decades were full: raising their three sons, welcoming frequent visits from Nebraska family, and caring for loved ones—including Melvin’s mother and Dee’s parents. They also poured themselves into church and community life. Melvin and Dee were a charter family of Lutheran Church of the Covenant in Dale City, Virginia. Melvin served in many roles over the years, including council president and positions across stewardship, education, and property—plus whatever else needed doing. He was reserved and careful with his words, but his love was unmistakable. He showed up, helped quietly, and supported his family through every season—youth group, Boy Scouts, band, relationships, weddings, and the joy of grandchildren. He lived his values in action, modeling service to neighbors and friends as naturally as breathing. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Vella Mae; his brothers, Billie and Gary; and his sister, Darlene. He is survived by his wife, DeLoris Ann Bellinger; his sons, Michael Craig Bellinger, David John Bellinger, and Mark Olin Bellinger; his daughters-in-law, Lynette (Blacksten) Bellinger and Amanda Hunt; his grandson, Randy Scott Brewer; his great-grandson, Randy Brewer; and his granddaughter, Annmarie Hunt Bellinger. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Melvin may be made to Lutheran Church of the Covenant (https://www.lcocdalecity.org/) or to Friends of Horticultural Therapy (http://www.foht.org/).

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Melvin Dale Bellinger

February 28, 1935 - January 26, 2026