Mike J. Mellinger Sr.

MIKE J. MELLINGER SR., 60, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at his home. Born April 18, 1945, in Fort Wayne, he was a General Assistant to the Savation Army for 23 years. A loving father, grandfather and devoted soldier in the Salvation Army, he was dedicated to walking with Christ and his church. His life passion was helping others less fortunate than himself. "A man who had nothing, willing to give everything." Surviving are his former wife, Kathleen "Snyder" Colpetzer; sons, Michael John (Janelle) Mellinger Jr.; daughters, Barbara Mellinger of Daytona, Fla., Michele (Doug) Slusher of New Tazewell, Tenn. and Amber (Danny) Smith of Fort Wayne; father, Lawrence (Gloria) Mellinger; brothers, Dave (Paula) Mellinger and Lee (Annie) Mellinger; sister, Joyce (Larry) Patten; 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by mother, Ruth Ann (Redmerski) Mellinger; and his pets, Annie Oakland and Dude Raider. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday at Salvation Army Center, 2901 N. Clinton, with calling from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Calling is also from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Salvation Army Center. Burial at Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to Mike Mellinger Jr. family. Arrangements by C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St.