Palmer Eugene "Gene" Melvin, 81, passed in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, October 4,
2020. He was the oldest son of Charles Palmer and Mayda Marie Melvin, both deceased, of
Crawfordsville, Indiana. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1957 and began working at R.
R. Donnelly & Sons where he remained until his retirement. Gene was an avid outdoorsman and a
seeker of adventures throughout his lifetime. Gene loved sharing his tales from his competition bronco
riding, big game hunting out west and in other countries, meeting royalty in other countries, and mining
for gold. He has several trophies and medals from past shooting and archery field competitions
throughout the United States and at the World level. He built and ran a feed and fur business and later
was a cattle rancher for several years at his home north of Crawfordsville. Gene had a wealth of
knowledge and experiences that he enjoyed sharing with his family and closest friends. He could always
be found wearing his favorite cowboy boots, western shirts, and large western belt buckles most of his
adult life. Gene found his faith in God, shared his beliefs with others, and died comforted by his faith.
Gene served in the Indiana National Guard in a time of peace. He was a member of the National Beef
Cattle Association, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, the Order of Eastern Star, Shriners, and the Masonic
Lodge, and held office in the Indiana Salers Cattle Association.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Melvin, who passed on December 30, 2019.
He is also preceded in death by Larry Melvin (Brother), Erdean Melvin (Sister-in-law), Ron Melvin
(Nephew), and his child at birth. Living are Phyllis Craig (Sister), John Craig (Brother-in-law), several
nieces/nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. His funeral service will take place at Hunt & Son
Funeral Home on October 9, 2020 at 2pm ET. The visitation will be from 1-2pm ET. His body will be laid
to rest at the Linden Cemetery in Montgomery County, Indiana.