David Melvin

David Sterling Melvin, 79, of Elkhart was taken from us in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 12th, 2019 in Osceola, IN. David was born on September 9, 1940 in Casper, Wyoming. He married Joyce Wininger in 1989, she preceded him in death on March 8, 2017.

David honorably served his country in the United States Air Force as a professional photographer and intelligence analyst.  David retired as a Member Development Specialist for Cotter & Company (True Value and V&S Variety Stores), responsible for the Midwest region in designing and setting up new stores and working with owners to maximize their successes.  After David’s retirement he worked for Cressy and Everett Real Estate as a TV Show and Photo Editor and at the Elkhart Truth in online sales and marketing.  For the RV Hall of Fame, David even produced their keynote video that aired for several years.  David was a beloved Father and his true love was his family, his many great friends and of course taking their pictures.  He was a true professional photographer and master of composition.  He never encountered a stranger and was very loved by many people and will be greatly missed.  The last photograph of David was of him doing what he loved, taking peoples photographs.

David is survived by his children; David Scott (Elizabeth) Melvin of Chesapeake, VA., and Darolyn Erica (James) Jones of Fishers, IN, his step-son Brad (Suzette) Burleson of Elkhart, his loving companion, Toni Youts of Osceola; his grandchildren, Kory Gamet, Rhyan Gamet, Will Jones, Brandi (John) Gilkey, Brina (Cory) Boggs, Braven Burleson, and Brenay Burleson. He is survived by his sister Victoria (Gerry) Jenkins of Dumfries, VA, Robert (Sheila) Melvin of Gillette WY, Richard (Candice) Melvin of Minneapolis, MN. David was preceded in death by his Father Ivan Knight, and his parents Maurice and Vivian Melvin and his sister Sharon Barkdoll.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12 PM Saturday, November 9th, 2019 at River Oaks Community Church, 58020 CR 115, Goshen, IN 46528 where friends may visit one hour before services. Memorial donations made in memory of David and Joyce Melvin to River Oaks Community Church. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the Melvin family. Online condolences may be made to the Melvin family on the funeral home website https://www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.