Melvin was an Air Force veteran and a retired employee of Winn Dixie. He also worked at McDonnell-Douglas on the Gemini and Apollo Space Chamber Capsules. He worked at several local nursing homes and apartments.
He was an avid bowler, becoming a Champion Senior Bowler with the Greater Louisville Senior Champs in 1994.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Valeria Hood Henthorn; daughters, Connie Marshall (Ed), Carol Messina (Mike), Debbie Doyle (Brennan), Linda Price (Sylvester), Diane Rausch (Kevin), Cathy Gibson (Jimmie), Rose Garrett (Tom Frye), and Bea Estep; sons, Michael (Mary) and Gerry (Sue) Henthorn; dear sister-in law, Judy Harlow (Jerry); life-long best friend, Earl Jackson; 20 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held noon Wednesday at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home, 3601 Taylor Blvd., with burial to follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central. Visitation will be from noon-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Children Hospital or Hosparus.
Arrangements under the direction of Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Louisville, KY.
