Richard H. Mell
March 13, 1937-Feb. 9, 2003
Mr. Richard Henry Mell, 65, of S.W. Ninth Street, Margate, Fla., and formerly longtime of Niles, Mich., died following an extended illness at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, in Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
He was born on March 13, 1937, in Niles, to Morrison G. and Minnie (Varnum) Mell, and was graduated from Niles High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army during peacetime, and was retired as an engineering consultant to the aerospace industry. Also while in Niles he participated in several of the Masonic Organizations.
In 1972 Mr. Mell moved to Florida where he was a member of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, and prior to his long illness had been a member of the choir and participated in Evangelism Explosion.
On June 14, 1991, in Niles, he was married to the former Charlene (Dreher) Schumacher, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Richard F. (Linda) Mell, Sharon K. Johnson, Jack G. "John" Mell and Jane F. (Richard, Jr.) Green, all of Tampa, Fla., and Jason A. Kirchner of Fort Lauderdale; stepdaughter, Johanna (Ken) Braniff of Niles; stepson, John (Cynthia) Schumacher of Niles; grandchildren, Bryan and Ashley Johnson, Kristina Mell and Marisa Pruitt-Green; step-grandchildren, Amber Marie and John Merle Schumacher Jr.; and his mother, Minnie Mell of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; and nephews, Christopher and Matthew Mell. He had also been a foster father of Matthew Spicher, Jennifer (Terry) Lathinghouse, and Kim Brannon and her child, Shari, all of who survive in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack G. Mell in September 2002; and their father, Morrison G. Mell.
Funeral services for Richard H. Mell will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in First Baptist Church of Niles, with Rev. Scott A. Goodman of the church and Mr. Jim Wing of Five Pines Ministries officiating. Committal services will follow at the graveside at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, and will conclude with the veteran's flag presentation by American Legion Post #24 Commander John McLaughlin.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Richard Mell may be made to Evangelism Explosion at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown