Melvin Carl Brown

Melvin Carl Brown, age 95, of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Grand Pines Assisted Living. He was born on February 13, 1930, in Otsego, MI, to the late John and Emma (Goodacre) Brown. Mel married Norma Davidson on March 28, 1958. She preceded him in death on February 4, 1995, after 37 years of marriage. He then married Betty Newman in November of 1995.

Mel attended Grand Haven High School and gained a GED while in the US Army. Mel proudly served in the 11th Airborne in the Korean War from 1947 to 1952. His leadership skills from being a SFC Jumpmaster carried over to his work at NWL Controls in Kalamazoo from 1952 until his retirement in 1989 as Chief Inspector. He also was a founder and vice president of the 22,000 member Kalsee Credit Union, where he worked with a handful of NWL employees in 1954 to establish the financial institution.

Mel was a proud member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28, and enjoyed traveling and reading. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting & fishing.

Mel will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 29 years, Betty; his sons: Danny and Michael Bailey, and Kevin (Dawn) Brown; his two sisters, Sheila Driesenga and Alice Driesenga; his stepdaughter, Cheri (Joe) Reiss; stepson, Mike Wing; six grandsons: Brandon Bailey, Alex Brown, Chris Reiss, Luke Wing, and Geoffrey and Nathan Saunders; three granddaughters: Amber Troupe, Jessica Clover, and Allison Palmer; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Norma; grandson, Jason Bailey; sister, Frieda Koski; and brothers: John Brown, James and Nelson De Jonge, and David Bottje; and his stepdaughter, Michele Ewing.

The family would like to thank the very compassionate staff at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center and Optimal Care Hospice for Mel’s care.

A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors for Mel will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Memory of Melvin Brown name may be made to American Legion Charities at https://mylegion.org/.
 

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