Melvin Shane Villa 34, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Great Plains Hall. Interment will follow at Arapaho Catholic Cemetery. A Vigil service with rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Great Plains Hall with a wake to follow at 980 Rendezvous Road in St. Stephens, Wyoming. All are invited to join the family for a feast and give away at Great Plains Hall.
Melvin was born on February 21, 1991, in Riverton, Wyoming, to Donald James Villa & Susan Angela (Oldman) Villa. He was raised on the Wind River Reservation, where he spent his life surrounded by family, culture, and community. Melvin attended school in Ethete and proudly graduated from Wyoming Indian High School in 2009.
On June 6, 2013, Melvin married the love of his life, Buffalo Soldier Wolf, in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Together they built a life rooted in love, tradition, and family.
Melvin was known as a hardworking man who provided for those he loved. Throughout his life, he worked in various areas of construction, Wind River Internet and in oilfield services. He also worked at the Boys Group Home, where he made a lasting impact through his care, strength, and guidance for young men.
Above all, Melvin’s greatest joy and proudest role was being a Husband and Father. He loved his children deeply and considered being a Husband and Father the best job he ever had.
Melvin participated in many sports throughout his life. He played Wyoming Indian Chiefs basketball and celebrated achievements such as conference championships, the Fremont County Shootout and Wyoming State Basketball. He also enjoyed football, softball and bronc riding in his early years.
Melvin found peace and purpose in the outdoors and in his traditions. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, children and Uncle Marv. Melvin was deeply connected to his Native American heritage, participating in traditional ceremonies. He also enjoyed hanging out with all his bros.
Melvin will be remembered as a devoted traditional family man and a hardworking provider. He loved to listen to music, sing and dance. He liked to joke and terrorize family and friends. Melvin Shane had a heart of gold, he was kind, helpful and understanding to everyone he encountered.
Survivors include his wife, Buffalo Villa; parents, Donald James Villa and Susan Angela Villa; God father, Ronald Oldman; sons, Joseph Pine Limb and Johnathan Touch Sky Friday, Victor Cool Colt and Malakai Red Wolf Villa, Blaise Jenkins, Adopted son, Embree Charles Reynolds; God son, Baby Mikey; daughters, Aria Wolf Star and Velora Spotted Fawn Villa, Catalina Villa; adopted daughter, Abigail Gonzalez God daughter, Halle Robinson; granddaughters, Kiiya’anni and Roma Oldman, Hayzlee Curry; brothers, Dustin Villa, Ramon and Eric Castillo, Craig Oldman; sisters, Donelle and Victoria Villa, America Oldman, Tannee Red Wing, Randi Jo Bell, Odetta Oldman, Marquette Welsh, Stormy Friday and Shayni Soldier; nephews, Charles Oldman, (brother). Numerous grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. Families of Oldman, WhiteAntelope, Trotchies, Villa, C’Hair, Gardner, Soldier Wolf, Dewey and Friday.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Myrtle Oldman, Victor and Eva Villa, Burton and Joyce Hutchinson; Great Grandparents Jackie and Joe Duran; Uncles, Jose Lockwood, Dale and Dana Eagle; Father-in-law Therin Soldier Wolf Sr.; brother-in-law, Tyrel Teran; brother, Matt Behan & Sonny Duran; Godmother, Theresa Moss.
During this extremely difficult time, we apologize for leaving anyone out, for Melvin had numerous family and friends from near and far.
On-line condolences for Melvin’s family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.