Melvin E. Mcbarnes

Melvin E. McBarnes , 90, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Thursday evening, June 13, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 28, 1929 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Wade H. McBarnes and the late Eva Caroline (Ehling) McBarnes. On September 27, 1952, he was united in marriage to Theresa M. Kohne at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Melvin proudly served in the Indiana National Guard from 1948 to 1954.

He was a member of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church serving on the Holy Name Society. He was a member of numerous organizations including the Decatur Moose Lodge #1311, American Legion Post #43, Old Fashion Farmers Club of Van Wert, & the Tri-State Gas & Engine Antique Club. In addition, he was one of the founders of Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Club.

Melvin was a 1947 graduate of Kirkland High School. He retired in 1994 after 22 years of service from Dolco Packaging. Melvin ran a vending route for 14 years for Gerber Vending Machines where he was known as “the candy man”. He also worked for Don Ray Drive-A-Way from 1994 to 1999 and Arnold Lumber, where he helped to start the rental department.

Melvin loved to collect John Deere tractors and other memorabilia and to make tractors out of sewing machines. He enjoyed showing his tractor collection for 26 years and was awarded a lifetime membership with Tri-State Gas & Engine Antique Club.

He was known to have a great sense of humor. Melvin loved spending time & entertaining his grand and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, & great-grandchildren’s activities. Melvin was a great handy man & enjoyed fixing & building things.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa M. McBarnes of Decatur; son, Kevin McBarnes of Decatur; daughter, Diane (Brad) Schrock of Berne; daughter, Karla (Gary) Grove of Decatur; son, Dennis McBarnes of Decatur; son, Kent (Amy) McBarnes of Decatur; six grandchildren, Rhonda (Seth) Isch, Lindsey (John) Hoffman, & Patrick, Breckan, Megan & Logan McBarnes; six great-grandchildren, Natalie Young, Izzy & Eli Isch, Preston, Morgan & Lauren Hoffman.

Melvin was preceded in death by four sisters, Glennys Gerber, Doris Brown, Irma Hildebrand, & Ruth Sommer & a brother, Victor McBarnes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur with Fr. Dave Ruppert officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery .

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the funeral home. The family requests casual dress .

Preferred memorials are to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.