Melvin A. Mitchem, 85, of Evansville, died Sunday, June 19, 2005, at Deaconess Hospice Center. Mr. Mitchem was born March 28, 1920, in Evansville, Ind., to Sarah and Roscoe Mitchem. He graduated from Bosse High School in 1939 and served in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946.

On November 24, 1978, he married Georgia (Hillyard) Hennebert, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Roscoe, and sister, Martha Graening.

Melvin worked for Servel Inc. for seventeen years and retired from Moll Tool. He was an avid gardener and was known for the roses he grew.

Mr. Mitchem is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Steve Smidley of Poland, Ind.; son and daughter-in-law, Art and Maddy Gay Mitchem; granddaughter, Sarah of Princeton, Ind.; son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Cordell; grandsons, Shane and Jacob Mitchem of Tulsa, Okla. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Joyce E. Newman; and nephew, Steve Graening and family, all of Evansville.

Services 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Reverend Joe Easley, burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve Butterfly Garden to honor Melvin's love of gardens, 551 N. Boeke Road, Evansville, Ind. 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Ind. 47714, (812) 476-1351.