At 102, Mel West is doing just fine

Mel West has accoplished so much in 102 years than most non-profit groups do in thier exsistance, this assignment is probably most inspirational that I have done so far working for the Columbia Missourian.

Mel West looks over his flower garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in his backyard in Columbia. West continues to work in his garden every day.

Mel West looks over his flower garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in his backyard in Columbia. West continues to work in his garden every day.

Mel West spreads mulch onto his flower garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. West continues the garden he and his late wife Barbara started in 2001.

Mel West spreads mulch onto his flower garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. West continues the garden he and his late wife Barbara started in 2001.

Mel West sits down for a quick break after spreading mulch throughout his garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “At 102 I don’t have the energy I used to have,” West said.

Mel West sits down for a quick break after spreading mulch throughout his garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “At 102 I don’t have the energy I used to have,” West said.

A pillow honoring Mel West’s 100th birthday is displayed on his couch on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “The world has been getting better ever since I was born,” West said.

A pillow honoring Mel West’s 100th birthday is displayed on his couch on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “The world has been getting better ever since I was born,” West said.

As an avid gardener, Mel West has dozens of plants throughout his house on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. As an avid gardener, Mel West has dozens of plants throughout his house. “Look at the pretty flower that bloomed.” West jokes about one of

As an avid gardener, Mel West has dozens of plants throughout his house on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. As an avid gardener, Mel West has dozens of plants throughout his house. “Look at the pretty flower that bloomed.” West jokes about one of his plants.

A basket of small weights sits by a chair in Mel West’s living room on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “I have observed that it is important, if you want to live long, you have to be active,” West said. “That’s why I garden and walk.

A basket of small weights sits by a chair in Mel West’s living room on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “I have observed that it is important, if you want to live long, you have to be active,” West said. “That’s why I garden and walk.”

Mel West looks out of his garage before grabbing a bucket of mulch for his garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. He uses his golf cart to travel around his neighborhood. “It’s the cart without the horse,” West said.

Mel West looks out of his garage before grabbing a bucket of mulch for his garden on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbia. He uses his golf cart to travel around his neighborhood. “It’s the cart without the horse,” West said.

Mel West makes his bed on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “I served in the Marine Corps, and ever since then I have been making my bed every morning,” West said.

Mel West makes his bed on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at his home in Columbia. “I served in the Marine Corps, and ever since then I have been making my bed every morning,” West said.

Mel West sits down to write on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in his home office in Columbia. “I urge everyone as they are getting older to write their memoirs,” West said. “So many people don’t know their family history.”

Mel West sits down to write on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in his home office in Columbia. “I urge everyone as they are getting older to write their memoirs,” West said. “So many people don’t know their family history.”