1999-07-28 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Melvin met Joyce Tique at the bowling alley on a blind date set up by his sister -in -law. She really thought Melvin should meet Joyce. Well, it was a great match. Melvin and Joyce were married on November 3, 1951 in Minneapolis. Melvin built their home in which they still live today. It is only two doors away from the house where he was born and raised. In this new Dupre household, the couple had 10 children within 13 years, including 8 girls and 2 boys. Joyce says having such a large family was trying at times, but she is especially proud that Melvin always provided for his family. In addition to his huge responsibility to his family, Melvin served Centerville community for many years and in many ways. In 1954, Melvin attended a City Council meeting to ask for a street light to be installed near his house because it was so dark at night. They said sure, but then asked him to fill a vacancy on the Council, which he agreed to. Now Melvin says, "So then I was stuck." After his appointment, he was re- elected for several terms, for a total of 15 years. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for 12 more years. He remembers that they nearly froze to death during their winter meetings in the old jail. He says, "we didn't hassle too long so we could get out of there." Melvin's complete involvement in the Centerville community is so extensive that we would probably be here all night if we talked about everything, so here is a short version of his long and distinguished record of service: Melvin was a charter member of the Fire Department, which was started in 1951, and he served for 28 years. For the City of Centerville, he also was the representative on the