Melvin James Daggett

Melvin James Daggett of Madison/Verona age 89 passed away on August 10, 2022. His wife Patti was with him when he passed, just as she’d been during his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 1951 he graduated from Central High School in Madison. Mel’s plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on a football scholarship were cut short when he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. The returning PFC and Patti then dated, but parted ways, only to be reunited decades later and were married on Valentine’s Day 2010. Mel enjoyed a long career as general manager with Frank Beer Distributors. The next time those all-familiar tuba notes of The Bud Song wake up your inner Bucky, send a little shout-out to Mel. While it quickly became a fan favorite, objections by the brewery and the university threatened to permanently remove it from Mike Leckrone’s playlist. In his capacity at Frank Beer, Mel worked diligently behind the scenes with both parties and the rest, as they say, is history. Mel loved jazz, reading, Badger and Packer games and spending winters in Florida golfing with friends. After retiring, he worked for SSM as a courier, which allowed him to keep offering his welcoming smile and gift for conversation. Mel is survived by his wife Patricia McGuire, his daughters and granddaughters Julie Daggett (Anna Reihl) and Carrie Miscevich (Nicolette); his wife’s daughter Deb Radel; brother Chuck Daggett (Chris) and niece Patricia Gentz along with many other close friends and family members. A special thanks to Patti’s nephew Phillip Brandel for his care of Mel during this difficult illness. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lula Daggett; sister Betty Hanmer and sister Mary Daggett. A service to be announced is being planned for a later date.