James Melvin "Mel" Gist

He was a WWII Army Veteran. As a Corporal with the 101st Airborne Division he was a Paratrooper and Demolition Expert. Mel retired from Sears before becoming self-employed. He was an artist and did his life’s work as an upholsterer. He enjoyed boating and traveling with his travel trailer, and gardening. Later in life, Mel and Thelma loved attending dances together at the VFW and Haymakers, where they were both life members.

Mel was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years and love of his life, Thelma (Reutter) Gist.

He is survived by his son, James Gist, Jr. of Evansville; daughters, Dana (Dan) Schroeder of Wadesville and Dawn Gist-Heinen of FL; grandchildren, Jasmine Folz, Scott Gist, Chance Gist-Heinen, and Austin Schroeder; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Patsy (Ron) Sproat.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Alexander North Chapel, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of your choice.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.