Prop Spinners icon Mel Marcum dies

Longtime Eugene Prop Spinners President and lifetime member Mel Marcum died on Aug. 1, 2026.

Mel was a control-line flier in Eugene, Ore., for most of his life, and was instrumental in the reformation of the club in the mid-1960s after a brief hiatus. He went on to serve as president and newsletter editor.

As a member of the City of Eugene staff, Mel was instrumental in obtaining and developing two flying sites at the Eugene Airport that the club used for approximately 45 years.

He was a key member of the volunteer staff of the Northwest Control-Line Regionals, including acting as head of registration for many years with the help of his wife, Dolores.

He also hosted many Christmas parties and other social events at his home in Eugene.

As a modeler, he enjoyed Aerobatics, Navy Carrier and Scale modeling along with general sport flying.

The family has planned a celebration of life service at noon on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Wesley Methodist Church, 1385 Oakway Road, Eugene. After the service there will be a meal at the church.

See a detailed obituary on Mel from The Register-Guard newspaper.