Melvin Mance

Melvin Martel Mance, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at his home at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2014.He was born on June 21, 1933 in Evanston, Illinois to Stonewall and Anna Mae (White) Mance.

Melvin lost both of his parents while in his early teens but, with the guidance of his sister, brothers and uncle, he was able to stay in Evanston and graduate from Evanston Township High School in 1951.Following high school, Melvin served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a jet mechanic. His experience and love for aviation led him to a career in aerospace beginning in California in the mid1950s and retiring from Boeing in1994 at the Seattle, Washington plant.

On August 4, 1979, Melvin married his present wife Dorothy J. Henley. After retiring he and Dorothy lived in Washington, New Mexico and Arizona. In July 2010, he moved from Arizona to his last home, in Columbia City. Melvin was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Lions Club in Washington and New Mexico.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Dorothy Mance; sons Eric (Diann) Mance of Atlanta, GA and Sidney (Marilyn) Mance of Kissimmee, FL; daughters Angela Whitlock, Atlanta, GA and Julie (Albert) Faniel of Port St. Lucie, FL; brother, Gaylord Mance of Albuquerque, NM; step-sons, Jerry Paris of Columbia City, Kenny (Angie) Hickman of CA and Leonard (Karen) Hickman of CA; and many grand and great-grandchildren.Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally McKinney; brother, John Mance; and step-daughter, Debra Paris. He also left behind a recently deceased daughter-in-law, Barb Paris.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Demoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with his memorial service starting at 11 a.m. Chaplin Kurt Snyder will be officiating and the Whitley County Korean War Veterans will be rendering military honors.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Mances memory to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice.