Melvin J. Werbelow

Melvin (Smokey) Werbelow died Wednesday, Feb. 27, at his home in Powell after a battle with cancer. He was 68.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services are scheduled Tuesday, March 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Powell.
Melvin James Werbelow was born at home in Emblem, on Feb. 12, 1940, to Martin and Ella Blank Werbelow, the 12th of 14 children. He was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church in Emblem and confirmed in the same church in 1954. He attended public school in Emblem for eight years, then high school in Greybull, where he graduated in 1958.
He worked on the farm until 1960 when he joined the U.S. Air Force. Melvin and Ruth Marchant were married Aug. 24, 1967, in Casper. He worked on the farm until he moved to Powell in 1970 to work for the City of Powell, until his retirement in 2002.
Smokey was a self-taught musician. He played the guitar and harmonica together and played in "The Travelers," a fiddlers group in Powell. He could be seen riding on the fiddlers float in different parades around the area. He was a fisherman and also loved to garden and care for his yard. Smokey had a unique sense of humor and was always ready for a good laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Frank.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, son James, and daughters Melanie and Tamara; sisters Irma Olbricht of Hamilton, Wyo.; Doris Schmidt, Lovell; Evelyn Ellison, Powell; Luella Henderson, Greybull; Jean Werbelow, Monterey, Calif.; Mary Shepard, San Jose, Calif.; brothers Elmer, Sheridan; Joe and George of Emblem; Clarence, Powell; and LeeRoy of Greybull; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or organization of choice.