Passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2022.Born in Honolulu, Mel graduated from Farrington High School and the University of Hawaii. After graduation he entered pilot training at Randolph AFB, Texas to pursue his dream of becoming an airplane pilot. His assignments took him to Vietnam, California, Taiwan, Japan, Okinawa, and Delaware. He was a command pilot flying T-37, T-38, T-39, C-123, C-130, and C-7 aircraft.
Never one to talk about his military accolades, Mel was awarded numerous medals, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was also selected to the Air Force Palace Vista fast track program for officers demonstrating outstanding performance and potential.
After 8 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Mel decided to resign his regular officer commission and return to Hawaii. He joined GTE Hawaiian Tel and continued flying with the Hawaii Air National Guard. He later left Hawaiian Tel to also fly for Aloha Airlines. He retired from the Guard as a Colonel in 1999.
Mel enjoyed doing home improvement projects; golfing with the Hackers Club; having lunch with friends; skiing; and traveling extensively with family and friends throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the U.S. and Canada.
He is survived by wife Geri (Ching), daughters Colette (Geoffrey Ho) Honda, Jennifer Honda, and grandson Nicholas Ho. He was preceded in death by his parents Susumu and Hajime Honda, brothers George, Harry, Walter, Arthur and Thomas. He is survived by sister-in-law Harriet (Arthur) Megata, sister Dorothy Kawamura and brother Wilfred (Kathy) Honda, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held November 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Diamond Head Mortuary. A private service will be held at Punchbowl.
Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary
