Obituary/Service Info for Mel Howell

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Obituary/Service Info for Mel Howell

Gary Ely
Obituary and Service info for Mel is listed below.  Encourage all Seawolves who are in the area to attend.  For those of you who don't know..Mel was a major advocate for Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist recognition.  His donation, along with Adm Delaney's support, has allowed us to recognize many of our shipmates.  The Assn will be sending a Memorial Wreath.

Obituary for Melvin C. Howell
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 24, 2014 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Rev. Steve Clayton officiating. Entombment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery where the Retired Veterans Memorial Club will perform military rites.

Friends may visit from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Browning Funeral Home and again from 10:00 AM until time of service on Monday.

Melvin C. Howell, 75, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2014 at his home.
Melvin was born on September 21, 1938 in Evansville, Indiana. He attended Culver Grade School and Bosse High School. Melvin married Thelma Tremper on Christmas Eve 1957. They immediately left for Rhode Island where Melvin was stationed in the United States Navy. While stationed in Rhode Island, their son, Randy was born. Melvin was then based in Argentina, Newfoundland, followed by Pensacola, Florida and then San Diego, California.

While stationed in Pensacola, he received the rank of First Class Chief Petty Officer and was featured on the front page of (All Hands) Naval magazine stating he was the youngest First Class Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. While serving as a helicopter pilot on the USS Hornet during the Vietnam war, he received the distinguished Flying Cross for a rescue mission in North Vietnam. While in San Diego, he and Thelma had the privilege to attend dinner with Elmo Zamwault, the Chief of Naval Operations. Melvin retired after 20 years in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. He returned home to Evansville, Indiana and was employed at United States Postal Service as a letter carrier.

After retirement, Melvin became a dedicated member of Germania Maennerchor. He was a past officer and on numerous committees. He spent most of his time there with his friends. He was a member of the Germania Maennerchor choir and enjoyed singing at different activities and churches and nursing homes. He also played in the Rhein Valley Brass. Melvin was a very talented person and excelled in all his endeavors. He played the trumpet, sang and painted. He always wanted to help those in need. He was an avid reader, his favorite book was Invitation to Valhalla and favorite movie was Anne of Green Gables.
Besides the different states where they resided, he and his wife, Thelma enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico and Jamaica. Melvin was also a member of the VFW Denby Post #2953, HA (L) 3 U.S. Navy Sea Wolves, U.S. Navy BINH THUY RVN, German American Gesangverein.

Melvin is survived by his sister, Linda Bond and her son, Patrick and her daughters, Jamie and Nicole; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Gulledge (Bob) of Evansville, IN, Mary Tremper of Evansville, IN; nephews, Robert Gulledge Jr. of Evansville, IN, Jonathon Tremper of Evansville, IN; niece, Kelly Kissell (Dan) of Evansville, IN; great nephews, Andrew Kissel and Rob Gulledge III; great niece, Darby Kissell and many cousins.  Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Anna Louise (Poer) and Clay Howell; his wife, Thelma (Tremper) Howell in June 2004; his son, Randall in July 2003; and his brother, Kenneth Clay Howell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vanderburgh Humane Society, P.O. Box 6711, Evansville, IN 47719, Germania Maennerchor, 916 North Fulton Ave., Evansville, IN 47710 or Holly's House, P.O. Box 4125, Evansville, IN 47724.
 
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Mel Howell services, Seawolf attendance requested !

Mike Dobson
I am so sorry to hear that "Mustang Mel" has passed on and is now with other shipmates on the last patrol. Mustang often was involved in being a major contributer to Seawolf projects. "Mustang" flew on Det 3 in the late 70 early 71 time frame. On a humorous note, some have been heard to say that a pilot couldn't hit a outhouse with a rocket if he was inside of it ------ well, Mel didn't shoot any outhouses that I know of ---- but I was there when a rocket on his huey ignited & went through our refuel hootch on Det 1. heck, it was so accurate that it went between 2 sleeping racks, cut a sock in half, went out the other side into the river, and never blew up !!!   We had some fun with him about that.    The last reunion I remember Mel at was in Charleston. I always enjoyed talking with him. He had a truly outstanding Navy Career and was a damn good Seawolf. I will miss him.
    I hope a large number of Seawolves can make the trip to salute Mel for the last time. Tell him "good bye" for me .
Mike Dobson (ROH)