Melvin Keith Pendleton
"Drummin' Man"
12/18/1919 ~ 6/16/2008
"Although having written my obituary years ago, devoting hours to meticulous chronological detail and serious tone, I have learned that compromise with my wife of 57 years, Ellie Pendleton, is never-ending - as is my love for her. With that said, you are not looking at the obituary-appropriate photo that I attached to the draft of the lengthy obituary that you will not read today. Rather, I imagine that Ellie, whom I met on December 7, 1950 - a day of infamy, as I often said - has elected to utilize the picture of me playing the drums in my band days (I was a talented drummer in my day). Keep all of this in mind, as you read the summary and interpretation of my life from my fun-loving, risk-taking love of my life. Okay, Ellie, it's all yours."
The beats of his drum are silent now, and his watercolor brushes are
neatly put away. Keith, at the age of 88, has passed on to be united with family and friends.
While here on earth, he married Ellie Dean Warren on April 30, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple, and believe it or not, it lasted 57 years.
Keith was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man, he was called to serve in the Spanish-American mission, which at the time extended from Texas to California. He held many positions in the church, but his favorite was that of Home Teacher.
"Ellie, aren't you going to say something about my career? After all, I wrote down five pages on that alone." Keith's professional endeavors in marketing, advertising, and art preceded 35 years of employer relations and vocations with the State of Utah, from which he retired.
His marriage was blessed with four wonderful children: Ida Leydsman, Clay Pendleton, Adam Pendleton (Brenda), Matthew Pendleton (Fay Catherine); nine beautiful grandchildren; and four great grandchildren - all of whom, along with his beloved wife, Ellie Pendleton, and brother, Paul Pendleton, survive him. He was the son of Melvin George Pendleton and Ida Gedge Pendleton, who preceded him in death, as did his brother, Grant Pendleton.
"Ellie, can I get one final word in? I want to express gratitude for how much I have been given in my life. Despite serious health oppositions that threatened my existence, I was miraculously preserved to enjoy a full life through God's grace and supportive companionship from a loving family."
He shall be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. How fortunate he was to have had so many who dearly loved him.
So, until we meet again, we shall hold you close to our hearts. You hold the beat until we get there...
The viewings and services will be held at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be a viewing held Friday, June 20, 6-8 p.m and again on Saturday, June 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with services beginning at 12 noon. Online guestbook at larkinmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.