Menno E. Toews was born March 11, 1923 in Enid Oklahoma to Heinrich and Helena (Kroeker) Toews. He grew up in Enid one of 5 children. Mel was assigned to work for the forestry department in California to complete his CO Service during World War II. While working for the forestry department, Mel was injured and returned to Oklahoma to recuperate. A man heard through his church that Mel needed a ride to back to California which was where his family was headed. Mel drove and the man's youngest daughter, Evelyn sat next to him in the front seat. Mel and Evelyn were married in Bessie, Oklahoma on November 1, 1946. After completing his service with the forestry department in California, Mel went to work in Fresno for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Mel and Evelyn bought a small ranch and raised their two sons in Clovis, California. Mel retired from Southern Pacific after 25 years. Mel was known by his family as a hard worker and a wonderful provider for his family. Even in his last days he was concerned that matters were "in order" to provide for his loving wife. Mel is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sister, Nancy Funk; son, Randy and wife Cheryl and grandchildren, Zachary and Vanessa; son, Kevin and granddaughters, Rachel and Amanda. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Sarah Gaede, Marie Warkentin and brother, David Toews. Mel's family would like to give a special Thank You to the staff of Carrington of Shafter, Hoffman Hospice, Reverend Loyal Funk, Pastor Pat Coyle and the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. A graveside service will be conducted by Peters Funeral Home, Shafter on Tuesday, April 28, at 11am at Clovis District Cemetery, 305 N. Villa Ave., Clovis, CA 93612 for Menno E. Toews, age 86, of Shafter who passed away April 23, 2009 in Shafter. Reverend Loyal Funk, retired, and brother-in-law of Mel will officiate the service and interment will follow. A short visitation will preceded the service starting at 10am.