Richard Garry Melvin

Richard Garry Melvin, 70, of Bangor Township passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Garry was born Aug. 22, 1951, in Flint, Mich., the son of Richard and Maxine (Gourdie) Melvin. He was a 1970 graduate of Hartford High School and worked for many years at Watervliet Paper Mill and later at CSX Transportation as a signal foreman. Garry was an avid hunter and loved to fish as well. He loved being outdoors and was able to fulfill his biggest wish; to hunt in Africa.

On June 5, 1971, Garry and his high school sweetheart, Janet Thornburg, were united in marriage and she survives, along with their two children: Dana (John) Liceaga of Shelbyville, Ind., and Richard Brandon (Dawn) Melvin of Hartford; three granddaughters: Olivia, Mia and Ava Liceaga; his mother, Maxine Melvin; a sister, Lisa Buddemeier of Bangor, a brother, Timothy (Lynne) Melvin of Vicksburg, Mich.; three sisters-in-law: Brenda Melvin of Grand Rapids, Mich., Marilyn Thornburg of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Emma (Ron) Sefcik; special friends, Jim and Kerrie Turner of Lawton, and best friend, Tim Link; along with a niece and several nephews.

Garry was preceded in passing by his father, Richard; two brothers: Douglas and William Melvin; nephew, Steffen Melvin; nieces: Karrie Melvin and Lorri Melvin Dawes.

As to Garry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A service to honor his memory will be at noon on Friday, July 1, at the Hartford United Methodist Church with Pastor Douglas Tipken serving as officiant. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service, from 11 a.m. - noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the church at 425 E Main St., Hartford, MI 49057. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so on our web site at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.