John "Sam" Lawrence Mellick

John Lawrence "Sam" Mellick, age 83, of Hiteman, IA, passed away Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, under the care of Care Initiatives. Sam was born on September 21, 1928 in Albia to Kate Mellick. Kate later married John Hughes. Sam married Doris Louise Barker on December 20, 1952 at the Zimmerman Funeral Home in Lovilia. They shared 58 loving years together. Sam served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1950-1952 in Korea. He retired from Maytag in 1980 after 30 years and drove a school bus for the Newton schools. After moving to Hiteman in 1984, he drove a bus for the Albia Schools for 10 years. Sam was a member of Community of Christ Church in Oskaloosa, the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136 since 1952 and a life member of the VFW Grimes Memorial Post #8190. He was Commander of the VFW for 10 years. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, fishing, coffee time with friends, and raising horses and cattle. He also loved time spent with grandkids and family. Sam is survived by his wife, Doris of Hiteman; 2 children, Ann of Hiteman and Mike of Newton; five grandchildren, Jacob, Josh (Melissa) Calhoun, Paul (Rachelle), Ryan (Crystal), and Curt (Caitlin) Mellick; 12 great grandchildren, Victoria, Tyler, and Shania Calhoun, Nathan and Kyle Calhoun, Benjamin, Kristin, and Lorin Mellick, and Liberty, Caleb, Joshua, and Nathaniel Mellick; 2 great-great grandchildren, Tray and Alyvia; a special aunt, Edna Dooley; a step-sister, Mary (Bill) Kehl of Dubuque; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kate and step-father, John Hughes; a son, Jeff; a great grandchild, Corbin Mellick, son of Ryan and Crystal; 10 aunts; 2 uncles; and 2 step-brothers, Francis and Dan Hughes. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Tharp-Winfield Funeral Home in Albia, with Rev. Connie Sneller and Rev. Lois Behrens officiating. Military Rites will be provided by American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136, with burial at a later date. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2011 at the funeral home, with Sam's family present from 6-8 p.m. There will also be visitation from 10-11 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ministerial Association, or Community of Christ Church in Oskaloosa. Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.

John "Sam" Lawrence Mellick

September 21, 1928 - October 24, 2011