Hesperus resident Melvin Lee Atwood died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at his home. He was 83.

Mr. Atwood was born to Lee and Betty Atwood on July 15, 1928, in Graham, Texas. He attended Abilene Christian University and worked for Lowry Trim Shop before moving to Carlsbad, N.M., where he opened Carlsbad Upholstery in 1955. Mr. Atwood married Marie Hunter in Carlsbad in March 1953.

In 1962, the family moved to Colorado Springs, where Mr. Atwood sold insurance and established his own brokerage, ABC Insurance. He retired in 1998.

He was an active Christian all his life and a member of Church of Christ, his family said. Over the last six years, he promoted the Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope.

“He loved his grandkids, and he just loved taking care of kids,” said his daughter Rebecca Craddock.

Mr. Atwood is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Marie Hunter Atwood, of Hesperus; daughters Rebecca Craddock of Hesperus, Teresa Dodd and Angela Oden, both of Colorado Springs, Cynthia Black of Athens, Ala., and Nancy Hawkins of Frisco, Texas; sisters Jerline Pope of Midland, Texas, and Barbara Shelton of Graham, Texas; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Northside Church of Christ in Farmington.