"To the family, I was really surprised to see Mel?s obit in the paper. ?Twig? and I go back into the 1940-50 era. Every Christmas, his family would gather in the Gene Mullan home in Manchester. Grandpa Gene worked for Iowa Central Tel Co. for over 50 years; my dad Bill worked for Gen Tel until retirement in Grinnell. Mel?s mom and dad (Melva and Vic) were good friends of my folks. I did run into Mel in Farver?s TruValue one day, so we did the memory bit to mutual enjoyment. Did he continue to play the accordion? Anyway, he is now in good hands - we are left with good memories. Twig did not fall far from the tree. Condolences to the family."
In loving memory of
Melvin Lewis McCarthy
July 13, 1936 - December 5, 2018
Melvin Lewis McCarthy, 82, of Rock Creek Lake, rural Kellogg, IA passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer on December 5, 2018, at home with family by his side. Mel was born July 13, 1936 in Manchester, Iowa to Victor and Melva (Kolsrud) McCarthy. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1954. Following graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in January 1959. He was united in marriage to Eunice Bartleson McCarthy on May 27, 1960, in Forest City, Iowa. Mel retired from General Telephone & Electronics in 1991 after 37 years of service. He was a great and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and supporting his family. He enjoyed woodworking, recently completing construction of his third grandfather clock for his children. He also enjoyed Iowa State University Cyclones athletic events, cooking and barbequing while entertaining family and friends, and spending time with his dog Winston.
Mel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eunice McCarthy; sons Timothy (Mindy) McCarthy of Prairie City, IA; Gary (Gail) McCarthy of Forest City, IA; daughter Vicki Brown of Kellogg, IA; eight grandchildren, Andrew McCarthy of Ankeny, IA; Kate McCarthy of Prairie City IA, Hannah McCarthy of Prairie City, IA, Ryan McCarthy of West Des Moines, IA, Kristen McCarthy (Colton Sankey) of Grundy Center, IA, Marc Brown of Kellogg, IA, Colby Brown of Altoona, IA, and Jennifer Brown of Kellogg, IA; and great granddaughter Keegan Sankey of Grundy Center, IA; two brothers Chet (Mary) McCarthy of Wellington, FL, and Kevin (Jessica) McCarthy of Council Bluffs, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, two infant daughters, and granddaughter, Kelly McCarthy.
No services are planned per Mel's wishes. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Good man. Worked with Mel in the Iowa division from 1978-1982, had many nice conversations with him. My sympathies to his family. "
"I worked for Mel in OSP Engineering in Kearney, NE. He was a wonderful boss. I have always thought of Mel when ISU played UNL, he used to get so worked up! lol, I enjoyed his sense of humor and kind manner. It was a pleasure to be on his GTE team. . RIP Mel, you will be missed. Kathy Daly"
"We are so sorry for your loss. Mel was a heck of a good guy, and we enjoyed having known him. Al & Carmen Burch"
"So happy to have gotten to meet Mel even though it was a very short time. He was such a nice man and obviously had the love of his wife, Eunice, who is a great example of love and support for her spouse. Vickie Miller"
"I worked for Mel for several years at GTE. He will be greatly missed. I did just recently get to see him at HyVee, and we exchanged greetings and little things about our families. Mel was always very kind and patient with me. -Denise Bennett (Grace/May). "
"Very sorry to here of Mel passing I remember all the good times talking about ISU sports Mel was a great fan. Pat Karmen Milligan"