Melvin D Mendenhall

Melvin D Mendenhall, 90, passed away on May 19, 2026. Born June 11, 1935, Melvin came into the world in Bloomingdale, Indiana, into a family of 10—all born in the same house, a beginning that reflected a life rooted in family and steady foundations.

Melvin served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 in the Military Police Branch, assigned to Security Operations in Vicenza, Italy. In that role, he helped provide security for the first nuclear guided missile base established in Europe after World War II.

Melvin built a 36-year career with Union Carbide Corporation, later Praxair Surface Technologies. Beginning in Indianapolis, Indiana, he held a variety of assignments across Operations, Inside Sales, Field Sales, and Sales Management. He retired in Houston in 1997.

Melvin was a standing member of the Masonic Fraternity, Gideons International, and Bay Area Christian Church.

Melvin was married to his wife, Lavetta, for 52 years, until her passing in February 2012 from Alzheimer’s.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by his two sons, Michael (Wendy) Mendenhall and Todd (Carrie) Mendenhall, and four grandchildren: Cara (Anthony) Ruch, Brooke, Beth, and Cole.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm with a funeral service to start at 12:00 pm and entombment to follow. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas.