null Salisbury Obituary

Melvin Wayne Salisbury, Jr., known by most as Junior, was the only son born to Melvin Wayne (Bud) Salisbury and Lillie Joan (Baker) Salisbury. Born on July 7, 1960 in Vici, Oklahoma, he had a very close bond with his two older sisters, Linda Parry and Marilyn Hale. Junior attended Vici School where he made lifetime friends and graduated as a twelve year graduate of the "Class of 1978." Junior started working in the public at nine years old alongside his family at Bud's Grocery Store which was a big part of his life for over thirty years.

On January 8, 1980, Brother Allen Moss baptized Junior into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn at the Baker pond. While attending church he met the preacher's daughter, Vickie Moss. Junior and Vickie were united in marriage October 16, 1982. Together they lived their life in Vici. Their home was filled with laughter, faith and resilience, while raising their four children, Ty, Amy, Taylor and Guy. Junior was a family man and enjoyed taking his family and friends to the ranch on camping trips, hunting and fishing adventures and watching them enjoy all of their activities.

Junior was a man who believed in putting God first even in his work. Over the years he wore many hats-grocery man/butcher, rancher/cattleman, motorcross racer, writer, turkey hunting guide, Okie Ice Company (owner) and Vici Fire Department Assistant Chief. But it was his time as Dewey County Commissioner that he felt he fit the best "this job was made for me" Junior said. And yes he loved serving his community and neighbors. Being County Commissioner means being able to talk to people and knowing who you are representing. Well, this job description fit him to a "T" because he knew everyone and could visit with anyone. Junior won the election by just seven votes and started serving as Dewey County Commissioner in 2007. His work and dedication as an elected official showed in the building of the Dewey County Court House, funds for the volunteer fire department, Dewey County fairground renovation, new bridges and roads during which time he fought for funding so the residents and landowners of Dewey County weren't expected to pay more taxes for necessary upgrades. Junior retired having sixteen years as Dewey County Commissioner without ever drawing an opponent.

If you knew Junior, you knew he loved the outdoors-hunting, fishing, camping, while having great adventures and telling great stories. Junior was an "Adrenaline Junkie" who lived life to the edge. With Junior there was……

The Right Way

The Wrong Way

The Salisbury Way

That meant someone was going to get hurt while someone else (Junior) was going to be laughing.

Junior leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Vickie, whose unwavering support was the cornerstone of his happiness. He is also survived by his children: daughter, Amy Keepers and husband Bobby; daughter, Taylor Haid and husband Aaron; son Guy Salisbury and wife Lynzee. Junior's heart grew even bigger with the addition of grandkids, Blaine, Bridgett, Bentley and Sutton Keepers; Haven, Audrey and Cooper Haid; Leroy and Adelyn Salisbury. They brought immeasurable joy to his life. Junior is also survived by his siblings: Linda Parry and husband Lonnie, Marilyn Hale and husband Jerry and a special aunt, Dixie Salisbury. In laws, Danny and Darlene Moss, Dana and Randy Thompson, Max Moss, Monte and Sandra Moss, Tim and Nicole Moss, Todd and Nessa Moss with whom he enjoyed countless adventures. Junior also had a special love for all his nephews, nieces, cousins, family and a lifetime of friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Ty Wayne Salisbury, his parents, Bud and Joan Salisbury and his Baker and Salisbury grandparents. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Evelyn Moss. Two brothers-in-law, Dale McGaha and Bryon Moss and a sister-in-law Susan Moss. His nephews Chad Moss and Garrett Moss, a niece, Shannon McGaha, and other loved ones.