Melvin "Mel" Shuler , age 80, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis, following an extended illness. Born February 24, 1946, in Harlan, Kentucky, he was the son of Victor and Florence (Huff) Shuler. Mel graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1964. On August 14, 1970, he married his soulmate, Linda J. Lilly, and together they built a loving family, sharing over 55 years of marriage.  Mel dedicated himself as a provider, starting work at Steel Slitting in Elwood at 19 and retiring after a long, steadfast career as a crane operator at age 70. He was a true family man, whose greatest joy was caring for and supporting those he loved.

A man at peace in the outdoors, Mel found serenity in mushroom hunting, hiking, and spending quiet moments in nature. His happiest times were often found sitting on the dock, fishing, and taking in the beauty around him. Mel cherished friendly games of bingo, cards, and especially poker, sharing laughter and companionship with friends and family alike.  Above all, Mel's legacy is the deep love and unwavering devotion he showed his family. He will be remembered as a gentle soul whose presence brought comfort and strength to all who knew him.

Mel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Shuler of Elwood; 2 daughters, Sarah (David) Hobbs of Elwood, and Stacey Shuler of Elwood; 4 siblings, Ricky (Vanda) Shuler of Elwood, Christina "Tina" Loy of Anderson, Ester "Curly" Shuler of Kentucky, and Lester "Mo" Shuler of Kentucky; 5 grandchildren, Josephihe "Logan" Shuler, Jayden Brewer, David Hobbs, II (fiancé Sydney Wilson), Charcin Hobbs (fiancé Patrick Thomson), and Emery Hobbs; great-grandson, Levi Hobbs; 3 brothers-in-law, Joseph "Joe" (Becky) Lilly, Charles Eldridge, and Rick Gill; and several nieces and nephews.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents; 2 infant siblings; and 4 sisters, Geneva "Neve" Witt, Sheila Eldridge, Betty and husband Tex Eldridge, and Juliette "Judy" Gill.

A funeral service celebrating Mel's life will take place at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Pastor Kim Ridenour officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana D.N.R. through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com