Dr. Melvin L. Faw

Melvin “Mel” Lee Faw, 86, of Evansville, passed away April 16, 2012, in his sleep after numerous health battles. His loving family was with him during his final hours. He was born December 4, 1925, in Kansas City, MO and grew up primarily in rural Kansas during the Great Depression and Dustbowl years. His parents were Floyd and Ivalee Harvey Faw who moved to Evansville after their retirement. His father was a mechanic and his mother was a nurse who met when Floyd was badly injured in a tornado. His family was poor, but insisted their children each find a musical instrument to play. He loved his trumpet and played in dance bands in high school. He continued to play for most of his life and spent many, many hours listening to his big band music collection.

He began college at the University of Kansas but his studies were soon interrupted by WWII when he enlisted in the Army. Mel served proudly in Fox Company of the 100th Infantry Division in France and Germany. His many awards included two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars (including Oak Leaf Cluster and V- Device). He spent almost a year in various army hospitals recovering from paralysis caused by extensive shrapnel injuries to his arms received at the 2nd Battle of the Bulge. He remained very close to his Army comrades his entire life.

While recovering from his injuries he attended Baylor then transferred to Washburn where he received his B.S. He received his medical degree from Washington University. He married Anna Margaret Rose after his first year of medical school. They met on a blind date in Kansas City, MO and after several more dates became engaged. He finished up his internship and residencies in Internal Medicine and Cardiology through Washington University and Kansas University in St. Louis. He practiced Internal Medicine at Welborn Clinic in Evansville from 1955-1987 where he was Managing Partner from 1964-1977.

Mel was a recipient of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce President’s Award and a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Kentucky Colonels, American College Of Chest Physicians, American Society Of Internal Medicine and the American College Of Physicians. He was an associate member of the IU Medical School in Evansville.

He was a huge Aces basketball fan and an excellent league bowler. His hobbies also included golf, photography, fishing and travel. He especially enjoyed his trips back to France and Germany where he served in the war. He learned French so he could speak with the people in the small towns they visited. He was always touched by how he and his fellow veterans were treated as heroes by the French people at every visit. He was very involved in his Fox Company Troop Newsletters and his Army Company and Division reunions.

Mel was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Anna Margaret Rose; second wife of two years, Rosemary Berendes Schoppert; sister, Emma Belle Gaston, who died many years ago; and his beloved brother, John (Jack) Faw, who died only a few days before Mel’s own death.

He is survived by his children, Linda Fowler of Nashville, TN, Gary Faw, Nancy Lecklider and David Faw, all of Evansville; grandchildren, Bryan and Daniel Faw, Casey and Michelle Lecklider, Phillip Faw, Melissa Faw Carrington, Tarah Faw, Jessica Faw Speicher and Amber Mayes; and five great-grandchildren. He was a source of great strength and inspiration to his entire family.

Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, officiated by Rev. Joe Miller, in Park Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.