May 8, 1940 - July 19, 2011

ELKHART -- Melvin E. Brown, 71, of Elkhart, passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

He was born May 8, 1940, to William A. and Merrille F. (Wildman) Brown in New Castle. On June 16, 1967, he married Pauline Barbara (Kralik) Brown in West Covina, Calif. She preceded him in death on March 30, 2008.

Survivors include two grandsons, Chris (Becky) Smith of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Curtis Smith of Elkhart; sister Nancy (Paul) Maurer of Elkhart; and three granddaughters.

In addition to his wife, Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carroll Wilburn Brown.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1963. Prior to retirement, Melvin was employed as a foreman with Grinnell, now Simplex Grinnell, for more than 25 years.

He was a member of Vandalia Lodge 290 F&AM in Union, Mich., Scottish Rite of South Bend and the Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 709. Melvin spent many years transporting children to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Chicago. He enjoyed helping with the annual turkey shoot, woodworking, collecting guns and classic cars.

Private graveside services were held at Prairie Street Cemetery, DAV Chapter 19 and the U.S. Navy rendered military honors. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011, at First Church of God, 2411 S. Sixth St., Elkhart. Pastor Michael Vandevoode will officiate.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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