Pahrump, Nevada - Melvyn "Mel" Ray Millett, 79, of Pahrump, Nevada, made his transition on March 21, 2026. He was born on January 11, 1947, in Modesto, California, to George Kenneth Millett and Ruby Marion Millett. Mel is survived by siblings Marilyn (Kelly), Kathryn (Schulte), and Martyn Millett, five nephews and six nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Robyn (Hall).

Mel's devotion to science and technology was relentless. His science project in junior high was a handmade Tesla coil. After graduating from Grand Junction High School (Colorado) in 1965, he attended Colorado School of Mines (GO DIGGERS!) and graduated in 1969 with a degree in geophysical engineering. He then worked for Anaconda Copper before beginning his long career as a geophysical engineer at the Department of Energy Nuclear Test Site in Mercury, Nevada. He was acknowledged for inventing a type of magnetometer, an instrument for exploring bore-hole mapping in three dimensions.

After the age of underground nuclear testing ended, Mel retrofitted his qualification as an electrical engineer under Lawrence Livermore Laboratories in Mercury. He was the Lead Facility Engineer at the Device Assembly Facility (DAF). When the Department of Energy turned over management of DAF to Nevada National Security Sites, Mel was rehired under Mission Support and Test Services.

Outside of work, he enjoyed collecting and fixing vehicles and equipment of all types. He also added credentials like CDL and a ham radio license. He is remembered by friends and family as a kind and thoughtful man. A coworker describes him as his mentor and friend and "One of the best people I have ever met".

A celebration of Mel's life will take place in Las Vegas.