Hurlbutt, Melvin E.

Melvin E. Hurlbutt
Jan. 18, 1923-Aug. 3, 2004

Melvin E. Hurlbutt, 81, of LaSalle Avenue, Niles, Mich., died after a brief illness at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3,  2004, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.

He was born Jan. 18, 1923, in Buchanan, Mich., to Ray B. and Freda M. (Schrumpf) Hurlbutt. He was a lifetime area resident. Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served five years aboard the U.S.S. Charleston, a patrol gun boat. Some of his service on the Charleston was with his brother Ray. Mel rose to the rank of gunner's mate first class by the end of the war.

In 1997 Mr. Hurlbutt was awarded a commemorative medal for "The 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War." This recognition was for the allied support of Russia during her fight for freedom against Nazi Germany. His citation was signed by then Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Mr. Hurlbutt was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles. In addition to his World War II U.S. Navy service, he was a member of American Legion Post #26, Niles. Mel was a member of A.A.R.P. In addition to his love for family and friends, he enjoyed being a jack-of-all-trades and trying to master each one. In 1975 he retired from the Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan.

On May 1, 1945, in Niles, he married Eunice M. (Tuesley) Hurlbutt, who survives. Mel is also survived by two sons, Jerry (Linda) and Bruce (Isabella), both of Niles; three grandchildren; and by a brother, Ray Hurlbutt Jr. of Niles.

He was preceded in death by another brother, Burton.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the Wesley United Methodist Church, with Rev. Emmett Kadwell Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, with full military honors. The family will receive friends in the Halbritter Funeral Home on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Hurlbutt may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, MI 49120.