Melvin Paul Thatcher's Obituary
Melvin Paul Thatcher, Ph.D., returned to our Heavenly Father on September 4, 2025, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on August 8, 1944, in Chandler, AZ, to Marion Paul Thatcher and Melva Bond. The oldest of nine siblings, he was raised primarily on a farm in Homedale, ID. He never forgot his humble beginnings.
Melvin was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church). He served in the Far East Mission of the LDS Church from 1963 to 1966, assigned to Taiwan, where he learned Mandarin. It was there that his lifelong love for Chinese culture and history began.
In 1966, he met the love of his life, Tuan Lee Wells. They married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 30, 1966. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, surrounded by all of their children and most of their grandchildren.
Melvin earned a Ph.D. in Ancient Chinese History from the University of Washington. As part of his studies, he brought his young family to Taiwan as a Fulbright Scholar. This was the first stop in the many years they spent raising their family in Asia. Other places they lived included Singapore, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.
With curiosity, humility, and the hand of friendship, he led the LDS Church’s efforts to identify and preserve ancient historical records across Asia and Africa. A master negotiator, once records were identified, he worked with government dignitaries, royal families, scholars, librarians, and private owners to have teams preserve them. Under his leadership, the greatest collection of Chinese genealogical records was assembled, which to this day allows people of Chinese descent both in China and abroad to trace their heritage. The same can be said for other Asian countries and Africa.
A natural teacher, Dr. Thatcher was a guest lecturer at conferences and academic institutions around the world. Some of the institutions he taught or lectured at include Hong Kong University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Harvard University. He published primarily in Chinese.
His greatest joy was his lifelong love affair with Tuan. He loved spending time with her and was proud of the home they created for their family. Mel cherished unique relationships with each of his six children and 17 grandchildren. He celebrated each of them and was proud to have raised children who contribute to society and serve others.
Mel asked to be remembered as a servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While his accomplishments were many, he felt his discipleship and love for his family were the greatest.
Mel is survived by his wife, Tuan; his children: Brent (Jennifer), Becky (Allen), Jason (Monica), Joseph (ChinParn), Suzette (Steve), and Leah (Jesse); his grandchildren: Brett, Brittany, Sabrina, Adam, Matthew, Anna, Daniel, Olivia, Sydney, Max, Izzie, Caroline, Tommy, Joshua, Ashley, Megan, and Katie; his great-grandson, Kates; bonus grandchildren: Brayden, Gracee-Sue, Averee, and Eliana; two sisters, five brothers, and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.
For those who are unable to attend the funeral services in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84875274376
Meeting ID: 848 7527 4376
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