Melvin H. Smith, Jr.

Melvin H. Smith, Jr., 63, of Elkhart, died May 23, 2010 at 5:46 pm at his home. He was born November 2, 1946 in Peru, IN to Melvin H. and Ardis I. (Rhoads) Smith, Sr. On November 2, 1972, he married Patricia L. Lacy in Elkhart.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter Melissa (Steven) Boussom of Goshen; sons Aaron (Tammy) Smith and Brian (Jana) Smith of Elkhart; 10 grandchildren; and his parents Mr. & Mrs. Melvin (Ardis) Smith, Sr. of Elkhart. He was preceded in death by a sister Marla Samuels.

Mr. Smith was employed at Crown International for 37½ years as a punch press operator. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Elkhart. Mel cherished his wife and adored his children and grandchildren, and would do anything for them. He was consistently faithful to his family, his church, and his occupation. He loved die cast model cars and was an avid train enthusiast. He graduated from Elkhart High School Class of 1964 and served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart and one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church, Elkhart. Pastor John Blodgett will officiate. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” I Thessalonians 4:13,14

Memorials may be given to Gideon’s International. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.