Merlin (Mel) Nomann
June 9, 1928 – October 21, 2021
Modesto, California – Merlin (Mel) John Nomann died at home on October 21, 2021, at the age of 93.
Mel was born on June 9, 1928, in Palmer Iowa. Mel grew up in Pocahontas Iowa after completing high school in 1947.
After high school he obtain a variety of certifications in radiology. While working in Tillamook Oregon, he met his wife.
In 1950, at the start of the Korean war, Mel chose to enlist in the Navy. He was briefly stationed at the Mare Island Naval base. Shortly after his eldest son was born, he was deployed to Korea where he served as a corpsman. He was honorably discharged July of 1954 as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class (E5). During his time of service, he received a letter of commendation from the Commanding General of the First Marine Division. The commendation was for his effective supervision of the evacuation and treatment of the wounded.
In 1954, Mel moved his family to St Louis where he attended the Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique to further his radiology and laboratory training. During this time his daughter was born.
In December of 1957 Mel moved his family to Modesto Ca. Mel had accepted a job with the Dr Husband Clinic (now known as the Orangeburg Group). Mel set up and ran the radiology department.
Mel had a variety of talents that covered handmade crafts, painting and home remodeling. He loved being able to create works of art as well as home décor. He was an active member in the church choir. Mel loved the outdoors and would frequently take his family camping, backpacking and snow skiing in the Sierra’s.
Mel was an integral part of the local YMCA chapter. Shortly after the death of his eldest son, the family adopted their two-year old son.
In 1970 Mel and Johnny Crabb became lifelong partners.
Their active life revolved around the community. In the early 80’s Mel and John became involved with the Act One movement and would volunteer with Ward 5B, working alongside of Harvey Milk.
They were World travelers, making life-long friends of people they met along their journeys. Every year they would set off to a different part of the world. Including just two years after open heart surgery, both Mel and John climbed the Matterhorn. They were unstoppable adventurers.
They loved helping young people find their place in the world. Along with working with local young adults they also hosted several exchange students from Central America and Europe.
Mel and John are well known in the world of Antiques. Mel’s expertise in the Victorian period was invaluable in the making of the what the McHenry Mansion is today. Mel and John were part of the Acquisition committee; their world travels include seeking out museums to gather vital information and ideas for the work at home. Their 45 years of dedicated service to the McHenry Mansion and McHenry Museum has helped to preserve the history of Stanislaus County. Mel was a charter member of the Kettle Drum Antiques Club.
Mel and John are beloved members of the College Avenue United Church of Christ.
Mel lived a long and full life. He will be missed.
He is survived by his husband Johnny Crabb, daughter Joan Eader (Nomann), son Erik Nomann, granddaughter Sharonlee Machado (Eader), grandson David Eader, three great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Merlin Nomann ‘51
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