Louis Melvin "Mel" Schneider passed away on November 8th, 2025 in Summit, Mississippi at the age of 58.

Mel was born in Illinois to Sidney and Athlene Schneider on April 7, 1967. He spent his young life in Snohomish, Washington before moving to Hawaii, where he lived for 20 years. In 2012, he relocated to Summit, Mississippi.

Mel was a true jack of all trades - throughout his life he worked as a roof thatcher, handyman, plasterer and self-titled "ranch manager". Whatever he did, he did with a sense of pride and truly cared about leaving things better than he found them.

He loved walking the woods of south Mississippi and exploring the Topisaw creek, often with one of his beloved dogs (Sneaky, Itty Bitty or others which he took in) by his side. He was a lifelong animal lover and also a massive sports fan, sharing his immense passion for the Seattle Seahawks with everyone he met.

Mel was also incredibly creative and had an innate sense of beauty. He loved using objects collected in nature (especially rocks and driftwood) to enhance his surroundings.

Mel will be remembered for his sense of humor, childlike joy, and complete loyalty to his friends and loved ones.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney & Athlene. He is survived by his sister Rovena, brother in law Robert and niece Sydney, all of Seattle, Washington.

He was well-loved and will be deeply missed by the Varnados, his adopted Mississippi family.