Melvin I. Stephenson

Melvin Irvin Stephenson, age 98, Salem, Indiana died on October 21, 2022 in his home.

He was born November 1, 1923, in Vernon Township Washington County, Indiana to William T & Cora Grace Chastain Stephenson. Melvin attended the Wade one room school and graduated from Campbellsburg High School in 1941. After graduation, Melvin farmed with his father in Cass County where he met his future wife. In September 1944, he was drafted into the United States Navy where he served as a 3rd Class Radarman on the U.S.S. Tucker DD875 during World War II. Melvin was discharged in March 1946. He bought land northwest of Salem where he farmed until recently. The farm was named Edgewise Acres because of its hilly terrain. He married Gertrude Young on November 17, 1944.They were charter members of the Monroe Church of Christ where he was an elder for 44 years

Melvin has been very involved in the community as a member of the American Legion, Farm Bureau and other organizations often serving as an officer. In 1970, he and his family were recognized as the Indiana All-American Family. His passion was always farming and supporting his wife’s veteran projects.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Morris and Nelson Stephenson; sisters: Tharon Short and Carolyn Hutton; and grandson Todd Reno.

Surviving Melvin are: wife Gertrude; children Blair (Charlene) Stephenson (Irving, TX), Sarah (Tommy) Martin (Buena Vista, CO), Mary (Billy) Kniffen (Menard, TX), Susan (Greg) Reno (Duncanville, TX), Cheryl (Bobby) Faucett (Godley, TX) and Eric (Diana) Stephenson (Gallatin, TN); 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM Tuesday, November 1 at Weathers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Salem Indiana with military honors. Visitation will be held Monday, October 31 from 4-7PM and Tuesday from 10AM-until time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Monroe Church of Christ.