Melvin Billman, formerly of Sunman, was born on April 16, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son to John (Herbert) and Mary Happ Billman. Melvin worked and worked and worked and then retired after 30 years of service from Hill-Rom in Batesville. Melvin was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Nicholas Church in Indiana as well as the Morris Fire Department for 20 + years, and St Pius in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He enjoyed cards, talking to people, math and telling jokes. Melvin was a health food junky and would say pumpkin pie was one of the healthiest foods to eat – followed by brownies, candy, cookies or anything sweet.
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 85, Melvin passed away peacefully in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Those surviving who will honor Melvin’s memory include his two daughters, Annette (George) Reeves and Amy (Chris) Caliendo; son-in-law, Alan Crum; grandchildren, Liddy Crum, Jeffrey Crum, Alex Crum, Jessica (Ricky) Franklin, and Bret Reeves; one great-grandchild, Colton Franklin, and one sister, Darleen (Bud) Ritzi. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Melissa Crum and Julia Billman and his twin brother, Marvin Billman.
Friends may visit with the family on June 26, 2024, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman. Father Shaun Whittington will officiate a Mass of Christian burial on Thursday at St. Nicholas Catholic Church at 10 a.m. and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial donations can be directed to the Morris Fire Department or organizations that assist the blind. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Melvin Billman. We also want to thank the staff of J.E. Hixson & Sons Funeral Home in Lake Charles for their help and compassion.