Melvin E. Meal

Melvin Evert Meal, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on October 14th, 1928, in western Rush County to, Evert and Dessie (Theobald) Meal. He attended school in Moscow Indiana and graduated from Waldron High School in 1945. He met his wife of 66 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Kluger, of Morristown, at Rural Youth Club. While home on his weekend leave from Army basic training, they were married on April 14th,1951, before he was deployed to Germany. They resided and farmed together for over 50 years in Shelby, Rush, and Fayette Counties, and were members of the First United Methodist Church in Connersville. Once semi-retired from farming he drove for Taconic of Cambridge City, making deliveries to the Tri-State area and looked forward to those he met on every single delivery he made. He also became a dedicated volunteer driver for DAV, driving veterans to and from appointments. He enjoyed traveling with Jackie all over the country. In 1977, Melvin fulfilled a lifelong passion by becoming a licensed private pilot. He gave countless rides to family, friends, and neighbors over the years.

Survivors include 3 children, Gary Meal of Fort Wayne, Diane (Meal) Patch, husband John, of Germantown, MD, Steve (wife, Kathy Tuner) Meal of Cambridge City; 5 grandchildren, Crystal (Meal) Huddlestone, husband Jon, of Fort Wayne, Ryan Patch of Silver Spring, MD, Katie (Meal) Wetzel, husband AJ, of Cambridge City, Kristen (Meal) Brown, husband Tyler, of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and Keri Meal of Cambridge City; 2 great-grandchildren, Noah and Lola Huddlestone; brother, Norman Meal of Rushville;  many other close family members and close friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Jackie; his parents; siblings, Edith Kuhn and Kathleen Kuhn; and a granddaughter, Kendra Meal.

Visitation will be from 4- 8 p.m. on Friday, September 15th, 2023, and one hour prior to the Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday September 16th, 2023, at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. Pastor Amy Lee will officiate. Burial will follow at Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville Indiana.

     Memorial contributions can be made out to Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 37 Bentonville, IN 47322.

     Online condolences can be made anytime at www.marshallanderleweinfuneralhome.com.

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