Melvin Eugene Moon Sr

Melvin “Bud” Moon

August 26, 1934 – April 14, 2021

Melvin “Bud” Moon passed away on his Moon Berry Farm in the Puyallup Valley on April 14th. He had just finished working on a tractor in the berry fields and he was getting into his golf cart to come in for lunch when he experienced a heart attack around 11:30am. His wife, daughter, and son rushed to his aid but were unable to revive him. His life ended doing what he loved – “getting the berry fields ready for harvest.” Bud also kept active with the family business, The Puyallup Valley Jam Factory, and had been planning to make jam that afternoon with his wife and daughter after lunch. His expertise as head cook, recipe keeper, and teacher will be greatly missed.

Mr. Moon was a career military man and a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. He served in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years. He concluded his service in 1970 as Engineman Chief Petty Officer (ENC). He used to joke that he didn’t make Chief for his Hoopa Tribe in Northern California, but his rank was Chief Engineman in the US Navy.

Mr. Moon and his family purchased their berry farm from Emily (Brouillet) Czarnecki in 1967. Emily had lost her son in WWII and when Mr. Moon showed up in his Navy uniform to inquire about the farm, she said it was as if god had given her son back to her. What followed was a lifelong friendship. He started the Puyallup Valley Jam Factory in 1980.

Melvin Moon is now reunited with his firstborn, Mel Moon Jr. (2017).  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol Moon; his son Merlin Moon (Karen); his daughter MaryAlice Bentley-Moon (Megan); six grandchildren Shawn Moon-Pederson, Marie Moon, Michelle Moon, Justice Sweet-Moon, Byron Emmett Bentley-Moon, and Melvin Bentley-Moon; and three great grandchildren Blue Star Moon, Kassidy Moon and Lily Moon.

Mr. Moon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Puyallup, Washington. Although he will be greatly missed, his friends and family find comfort in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with his son in the kingdom of heaven.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 24th. Masks and social distancing will be required out of respect for the health and safety of our friends, family and community. There will be a viewing at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup WA 98371, from 11:00am to 1:00pm followed by a small service at 2:00pm led by Pastor Sue.