Melvin M. Etchison , age 93 of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Wesleyan Health & Rehab Center in Marion after a long, well-lived life.  He was born November 19, 1925 in Dundee, the son of Charles and Alpha (Webb) Etchison.  He attended Frankton High School, and then proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the European and Pacific Theaters.  Melvin married Mary E. Craig on April 13, 1945 and spent over 65 years of marriage together until her passing on August 21, 2010.  After returning home from the Navy, Melvin went to work as a Union Laborer in Central Indiana at Union Local #1112 for over 40 years, and he retired in 1989.  He was a member of the Elwood V.F.W. and East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood.  Melvin enjoyed fishing, gardening, and especially enjoyed sitting on his back porch watching the birds.  Melvin was an avid Indianapolis Pacers basketball fan and also liked watching "Ghost Hunters" and old western movies.  More than anything, Melvin loved his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

Melvin's family legacy includes his daughter, Lynnette (husband Perry) Hawkins; special adopted family member, Mary Jo Smith of Elwood; 9 grandchildren, Brian (wife Julie) Etchison, Wes (wife Amanda) Etchison, Heather Price, Erin Etchison, Brandon Price, Logan (husband Aaron) Kerr, Morgan (husband Doug) Landis, Jennifer (husband Jake) Taylor, and Jason (wife Mariah) Smith; special nieces and nephews, Tom and Carolyn Richardson of Anderson, Linda and Eldon Miller of Florida, and Marilyn and Randy Martin of Florida; 9 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and several more nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Etchison in 2010; 2 sons, Jeffrey Etchison and James Etchison; daughter-in-law, Rae Ann Etchison; son-in-law, Clyde Carter; grandson, Troy Etchison; and 2 great-grandchildren, Kylie Picklesimer and Neil Picklesimer.

A funeral service celebrating Melvin's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Harvey McDaniel of the Tetersburg Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery and will include military honors by the U.S. Navy and the Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood V.F.W. through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.