Melvin E. McBarnes

Melvin E. McBarnes, 90, of Decatur passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on March 28, 1929 in Decatur to Wade H. and Eva Caroline (Ehling) McBarnes. He was married on September 27, 1952 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church to Theresa M. Kohne.

He proudly served in the Indiana National Guard from 1948 to 1954. He was a member of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church serving on the Holy Name Society. He was a member of numerous organizations including the Decatur Moose Lodge #1311, American Legion Post #43, Old Fashion Farmers Club of Van Wert and the Tri-State Gas & Engine Antique Club. In addition, he was one of the founders of Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Club.

He was a 1947 graduate of Kirkland High School. He retired in 1994 after 22 years of service from Dolco Packaging. He ran a vending route for 14 years for Gerber Vending Machines where he was known as "the candy man." He also worked for Don Ray Drive-A-Way from 1994 to 1999 and Arnold Lumber, where he helped to start the rental department. 

He loved to collect John Deere tractors and other memorabilia and to make tractors out of sewing machines. He enjoyed showing his tractor collection for 26 years and was awarded a lifetime membership with Tri-State Gas & Engine Antique Club.

He was known to have a great sense of humor. He loved spending time and entertaining his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. He was a great handy man and enjoyed fixing and building things.

He is survived by his wife of Decatur; three sons, Kevin McBarnes; Dennis McBarnes; and Kent (Amy) McBarnes, all of Decatur; two daughters, Diane (Brad) Schrock of Berne and Karla (Gary) Grove of Decatur; six grandchildren, Rhonda (Seth) Isch; Lindsey (John) Hoffman; and Patrick, Breckan, Megan and Logan McBarnes; and six great-grandchildren, Natalie Young; Izzy and Eli Isch; and Preston, Morgan and Lauren Hoffman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Glennys Gerber; Doris Brown; Irma Hildebrand; and Ruth Sommer; and brother, Victor McBarnes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur. Officiating will be Father Dave Ruppert. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. The family requests casual dress.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.