Melvin Kuehle

Melvin Nelson Kuehle, 96, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at his home.

He was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Tilsit, son of Albert E. and Anna E. Meier Kuehle.

Melvin spent his childhood in Cape Girardeau. He attended Cape Girardeau Central High School until his senior year and then graduated from Charleston High School in 1940.

A World War II veteran, Melvin entered the Army Air Corp in November 1942, and proudly served his country as a corporal in the Army Aviation Engineers, 860th Battalion in the South Pacific. After an honorary discharge in 1946, Melvin married his sweetheart, Della Catherine Millay of Owensboro, Kentucky, with whom he had fallen in love through letters exchanged during the war.

Melvin and Della (Catherine to her friends) made their home in Cape Girardeau where he worked with his parents at their restaurant and gas station, The Home Plate Cafe, located on the Missouri side of the old Mississippi River Bridge. Melvin then embarked on a 38-year career as a fuel transport driver with Kelso Oil Co., later Commercial Transport from which he retired in 1986. During his time with Commercial, he was honored for driving 3 million miles without an accident or a ticket. He was also a union steward and business agent for the local Teamsters union.

During his retirement years, Melvin was very active. He worked for several years for his brother, Harold Kuehle, in the engraving business Harold operated. Melvin was proud to be an active member of the local VFW Chapter 3838 and held various leadership positions. He was instrumental in helping to acquire the new building for the chapter. He also served as a trustee and for over 20 years served as VFW Color Guard commander. Melvin was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending Bible class with several close friends.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 72 years, Della; two daughters, Sandra Graham and Karen Crain (Tom Armbruster); a son, Keith Kuehle (Linda); four grandchildren, Amanda Webb (fiance Jerry Merryman, his daughters Sydney and Brooklyn), Erica Graham, Kara Graham and M. Bryan Crain (wife Lauren). He recently was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Emmy Crain.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glenn and Harold Kuehle.

Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday. Burial, with full military honors, will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to VFW 3838 Local Veteran's Relief Fund.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.