Melvin J. "Mel" Deyoung

Mr. Melvin J. "Mel" DeYoung, age 83, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and brother, passed away Monday evening, October 22, 2007. He was born August 28, 1924 in Muskegon to Albert and Agnes (VanKersen) DeYoung and had been a life resident, wintering for many years in Fort Myers, FL. Mr. DeYoung was a 1942 graduate of Muskegon High School. After High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Post #28 in Grand Haven, and also the VFW Post #10097 in Fort Myers, FL. Mr. DeYoung worked 33 years for Whittaker Electric before retiring in 1983. He also enjoyed his winter job at the Ace Hardware in Florida. Mr. DeYoung was a life-long member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he had been the Senior Warden for the Vestry and served on the usher team. He was a member and past Exalted Ruler for the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274 in Muskegon and also a past member of the Muskegon Junior Chamber of Commerce. Mr. DeYoung also enjoyed gardening and being a handyman for family and friends. On October 27, 1950, he married the former Eleanor M. Engleright in Muskegon and she survives him along with 4 children, Lynne (Rich Carney) Wood of Muskegon, Joan (Walter, Jr.) Gawkowski, Nancy (Michael) Ribecky both of Norton Shores, Craig (Beth) DeYoung of Twin Lake; 7 grandchildren, Thorin Wood, Amy and Annie Gawkowski, Lisa and Jason Ribecky, Sarah and Andy DeYoung; and 2 sisters, Norma and Lila DeYoung of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his brother, Keith DeYoung. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 2:00 PM Friday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (1006 Third St.) with the Rev. Dennis Remenschneider presiding. Inurnment will be in Norton Cemetery. VISITATION with the family will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. (231) 798-1100 with the Elks Lodge of Sorrow service held at 7:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274 Handicapped Children's Fund or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund will be appreciated.