Melvin N. Morrow

Melvin N. Morrow 95, of Carmel, passed away, Sunday, September 20, 2009. He was born and raised in Wilkensburg, Pennsylvania on March 11, 1914. He will be reunited in heaven with his first wife, Millinda Morrow; son, Charles and brother, Harold. Mel is survived by his loving wife, Ola Criswell Morrow; son, Walter (Lori) Morrow; brother, Robert "Pete" widower of Vivian Morrow. He is also survived by grandchildren, Bradley (Alex) Morrow, Tricia (Tom) Green and great- grandchildren, Connor and Kylie Green. In addition Mel is survived by step-children, Barbara (Stephen) Beattie, Debra (Mark) Seeger, David (Carey) Criswell, John (Margie) Criswell; nine step- grandchildren, Todd and Heather Beattie, Samantha and Jillian Seeger, Jessica, Jordon, and Lauren Criswell, Jared and Amanda Criswell, and one step-great- grandchild, Matthew Toms. A special Thank You to St. Vincent Hospice Staff for the wonderful care and assistance for Mel through the days leading up to his passing. Also to the Steve Burnstein family and the private caregiver, Gary Hammond, for being on call whenever help was needed. Mel served in the U. S. Navy as a Lieutenant Communications Officer during WWII. He proudly wore his Navy cap with his WWII pin displayed everywhere he went, if he wasn't wearing his current favorite western hat. Every time Mel passed an American flag, he saluted. A flag lined street was an experience to behold. Mel loved his God immensely by living as a Christian and serving in church leadership positions in his earlier years. Then came his country and his family. Every time he moved (34 times in his life!) Mel made sure there was a US flag flying outside his home. He was an avid collector of John Wayne mementoes, commemorative American items, and a semi-professional photographer. While living in Oklahoma during his earlier years, Mel became an honorary Native American of the local tribe. He always sent donations to Native American organizations that helped the Indian people in need. His collections of Native American items are displayed alongside the John Wayne collectibles and the American flag. Mel's faith, integrity, and out-going personality endeared him to a multitude of friends. There was never a stranger to Mel. He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be at St. Mark's United Methodist Church Chapel, 4780 East 126th, Carmel, IN. at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Eitlejorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, St Mark's United Methodist Church Mission Fund, or Union Chapel United Methodist Church Mission Fund. Arrangements entrusted with Harry W. Moore Funeral Care.