Melvin Edward Price

Melvin Edward Price, Easton’s own country music legend, went to be with his beloved wife, Hazel, in Heaven on November 26, 2014. He was 94. Born in Easton on October 13, 1920, Mel was the son of the late James Edward and Clara Andrew Price. Growing up on a farm, Mel always loved taking care of the animals. His other interest was music. He often sang along with his brother, Owen, at social and church gatherings. In March of 1941, he married Daisy Chaplain with whom he had two daughters. Later, in 1950, he married Hazel Draper with whom he had three daughters. Mel and Hazel enjoyed 62 wonderful years together until Hazel’s death in May of 2013. Mel served in the Army in the 35th Infantry Division, called the Santa Fe Division. During this time, he often performed for his fellow soldiers and said that when he got out of the Army, he would start a country music band and name it the Santa Fe Rangers. In 1945, he did just that. During his service time, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, three Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge and many other awards, and was present at the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged from the Army in 1945. Mel was a member of the VFW and the Purple Heart. He served as their finance officer for over 20 years. His love of country music allowed him to travel all over the world, entertaining troops for USO Tours. The Santa Fe Rangers had the distinction of being the only group with more overseas tours than even Bob Hope. He also made the acquaintance of such fellow musicians as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and even Elvis Presley. After travel, Mel and Hazel owned Price’s Music Center for 30 years in Easton, Seaford, Cambridge and Chestertown and, later, Tammy’s Children’s Wear, which is now owned and operated by their daughter, Lynne. Mel began a radio show in 1946 and it was a huge part of his life. Every Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., Mel’s old country music show was a highlight for many many people, young and old alike. His knowledge of music and other musicians was phenomenal, and his “radio voice” was unparalleled. In total, Mel’s music career spanned 75 years. In addition to his wife and parents, Mel was preceded in death by his three siblings, Edna Gannon, Owen and Maurice Price and a grandson, Michael Foreman. He is survived by his five daughters, Sharon Miller (Leroy), Marlena Groves (Les), Lynne Shostak, Gail Newcomb (Ronnie) and Christine Collison (Pat); 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a special canine friend, Kamra. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, from 7-9 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. 200 S. Harrison St. in Easton. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Easton Church of God. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton. Memorial donations, may be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Dr., Easton, MD 21601 and the Talbot Humane Society, P.O. Box 1143, Easton, MD 21601.

Melvin Edward Price

October 13, 1920 - November 26, 2014