Melvin Lorenz

Melvin A. Lorenz, 84, of Shawneetown passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 9, 1922, in Shawneetown, son of Martin and Bertha Kasten Lorenz. He and Florence Schade were married June 5, 1949, in Altenburg, Mo.

Melvin was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps Nov. 11, 1942. He was a glider mechanic, and served in the Philippines and the Island of Biak. He was honorably discharged as a corporal Dec. 31, 1945.

Melvin's career included employment at the former Wagner Electric and Chase Candy Company, both in St. Louis, the former LaPiere-Sawyer Handle Factory in Jackson, and Shawneetown Feed and Seed. Melvin retired from Bowman Milling Co. in March 1996.

Melvin was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawneetown, where he served as a church elder, trustee, former member of the finance board, former dart ball team member, was active in the men's club and participated in Wednesday morning Bible study.

He was a member of Moonier-Reddick American Legion Post 133 in Perryville and had received a 50-year pin.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; two sons, Bruce (Maxine) Lorenz of Shawneetown, Kirk (Barbara) Lorenz of Jackson; two daughters, Gail (Larry) Leimbach of Jackson, Lori (Bob) Ulrich of Shawneetown; five grandchildren, Chris, Casey, Kody Lorenz, Bridget and Matthew Ulrich; and a brother, Erwin (Leota) Lorenz of Shawneetown.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Wilbert, Elmer, and Edgar Lorenz; and a sister, Hilda Dreyer.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. An American Legion service will be held at 7. Friends may also call after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawneetown.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Mann officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with graveside military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church of Shawneetown or Saxony Lutheran High School.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.