Melvin "Mel" Douglas Goatley

Melvin “Mel” D. Goatley Sr., 77 passed away in his Maumee home on August 9, 2021. Mel was born the youngest child to James and Alvine Goatley in Toledo, Ohio on October 19, 1943. He and his four siblings Bob, Joe, Louise, and Betty were raised in South Toledo where Mel later attended Macomber High School. It was during that time that Mel met the love of his life and soul mate, Gloria. They would go on to marry and eventually move to Maumee, Ohio in 1969 to raise their family. Mel and Gloria were planning to celebrate their 59th Wedding Anniversary next week. Mel found his occupational calling in the industrial sales field where he enjoyed a long and notable career. Most of this work was with The Bostwick-Braun Company where he spent more than 30 years selling industrial tools and equipment to manufacturing plants throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. While there, Mel achieved many sales milestones for the company and was awarded “Salesman of the Year” on numerous occasions. Some of those awards included trips that he would enjoy with his beloved Gloria. After serving as their General Sales Manager where he passed along some of his sales wisdom, Mel finally retired from Bostwick-Braun in 2008. Mel’s knack for sales was largely attributable to his outgoing and friendly nature. He truly cared about people and was always quick to let out his signature laugh, which endeared him to so many. Along with his affable personality, Mel was full of energy and driven by a strong work ethic. Most days were spent making sales calls in a large territory, followed by an evening of community service work, church responsibilities, or family activities. After which he would open his briefcase and prepare for his next day’s sales plan, carefully organizing and updating his product catalogs. Mel also believed strongly in supporting his community and exemplified good citizenship through service. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Maumee for more than 30 years during which time he served in a number of posts, including congregation president. Later in life he and Gloria continued to express their faith as members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Other organizations that benefitted from Mel’s commitment were the Jaycee’s, the Kiwanis, the Toastmaster’s, and Maumee Little League, where he served as a volunteer umpire and a coach for nearly 20 years. When Mel was able to relax and enjoy some free time, it was always spent with family. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and especially camping. Most of his summer vacations were spent along the northern Michigan coastline. Later in retirement, he and Gloria also enjoyed winter months in Hilton Head, SC. Mel’s greatest joy was of course his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He attended their countless sporting and academic events over many decades, and particularly relished the holidays where all of them came together at his home. Mel is survived by his loving wife Gloria, sons Mark (Shelly) and Jeff (Laura), grandchildren Josh (Nicole), Brad, Matt (Jordan), Zac (Raquel), Jake, Grant, Jeff, and Megan, and great-grandchildren Harley, Amelia, Ava, Aiden, and Alec. He is also survived by Gloria’s brother Mike (Paula) Gregory who was like a brother to him. And we cannot forget to mention his faithful pup, Gracie. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his dear son Mel Jr.. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mel’s name to either the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service at 4:00 P.M. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com