Melvin Lewis McCarthy

Melvin Lewis McCarthy, 82, of Rock Creek Lake, rural Kellogg, passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer Dec. 5, 2018, at home with family by his side. Mel was born July 13, 1936 in Manchester, to Victor and Melva (Kolsrud) McCarthy. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in January 1959. He was united in marriage to Eunice Bartleson McCarthy May 27, 1960, in Forest City. Mel retired from General Telephone & Electronics in 1991, after 37 years of service. He was a great and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and supporting his family. He enjoyed woodworking, recently completing construction of his third grandfather clock for his children. He also enjoyed Iowa State University Cyclones athletic events, cooking and barbecuing while entertaining family and friends, and spending time with his dog Winston.

Mel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eunice McCarthy; sons, Timothy (Mindy) McCarthy of Prairie City and Gary (Gail) McCarthy of Forest City; daughter, Vicki Brown of Kellogg; eight grandchildren, Andrew McCarthy of Ankeny, Kate McCarthy of Prairie City, Hannah McCarthy of Prairie City, Ryan McCarthy of West Des Moines, Kristen McCarthy (Colton Sankey) of Grundy Center, Marc Brown of Kellogg, Colby Brown of Altoona and Jennifer Brown of Kellogg, IA; great-granddaughter, Keegan Sankey of Grundy Center; two brothers, Chet (Mary) McCarthy of Wellington, Fla., and Kevin (Jessica) McCarthy of Council Bluffs; and many nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; two infant daughters; and granddaughter, Kelly McCarthy.

No services are planned per Mel's wishes. Condolences may be left for the family at coburnfuneralhomes.com.​