Benny Melvin

ELKHART— Benny Dean Melvin, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, at his home on his 96th. birthday. He was born June 4, 1921 in Angola to the late Benjamin and Julia (Nelson) Melvin. He married Phyllis E. Clark on December 31, 1941 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She passed on December 16, 2005. Surviving are his children, Karen (Doug) Mick and Robert (Zita) Melvin; six grandchildren, Brad (Connie) Mick, Troy (Amy) Mick, Sarah (Jason) Johnson, Dina (Jeff) Slain, Blair (Lesley) Melvin, Brent (Nikki) Melvin, also 17 great grandchildren survive as well. He was preceded in death by two brothers Robert and William Melvin. Benny was a 1940 Elkhart High School graduate. He went on to serve in the Army Air Force during WWII from April 16, 1943 until his honorable discharge on Nov. 22, 1945. His campaigns included Rome Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley, Southern and Northern France, Rhineland and Air Combat Balkans. He received the EAME Theater Ribbon with 7 bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and WWII Victory Medal. He formerly worked at Riblet Products and retired from Federal Press as a Purchasing Agent in 1996. He was a life member of Elks Lodge #425 and the American Legion. He lived in Elkhart his whole life and enjoyed the summers at his cottage on Pine Lake in Michigan. Friends and family are invited to attend the graveside services celebrating his life at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Rice Cemetery. Rev. Bill Wood, a close family friend will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter #19. The family request no flowers be sent. Please direct memorials in Benny’s name to the Center for Hospice Care, Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com

 Service Information