Melvin Nelson Kuehle, 96, passed away March 6, 2019, at his home in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born January 22, 1923, in Tilsit, MO, son of Albert E. and Anna E. (Meier) Kuehle. Melvin spent his childhood in Cape Girardeau.
He attended Central High School until his senior year and then graduated from Charleston High School in 1940. A World War II veteran, Melvin entered the Army Air Corp in November, 1942, and proudly served his country as a corporal in the Army Aviation Engineers, 860th Battalion in the South Pacific. After an honorary discharge in 1946, Melvin married his sweetheart, Della Catherine Millay of Owensboro, KY, with whom he had fallen in love with through letters exchanged during the war.
Melvin and Della (Catherine to her friends) made their home in Cape Girardeau where he worked with his parents at their restaurant and gas station, The Home Plate Cafe, located on the Missouri side of the old Mississippi River Bridge. Melvin then embarked on a 38-year career as a fuel transport driver with Kelso Oil Co., later Commercial Transport from which he retired in 1986. During his time with Commercial, he was honored for driving 3 million miles without an accident or a ticket.
He was also a union steward and business agent for the local Teamster’s union. During his retirement years, Melvin was very active. He worked for several years for his brother, Harold Kuehle, in the engraving business Harold operated.
Melvin was proud to be an active member of the local VFW Chapter #3838 and held various leadership positions. He was instrumental in helping to acquire the new building for the chapter. He also served as a trustee and for over 20 years served as the VFW Color Guard Commander.
Melvin was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending bible class with several close friends. Melvin is survived by his wife of 72 years, Della; two daughters: Sandra Graham, Karen Crain (Tom Armbruster); a son, Keith Kuehle (wife Linda); four grandchildren: Amanda Webb (fiancé Jerry Merryman, his daughters Sydney and Brooklyn), Erica Graham, Kara Graham, and M. Bryan Crain (wife Lauren). He recently was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Emmy Crain.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glenn and Harold Kuehle. Friends may call Thursday March 14th, 2019 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorial service will immediately follow. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the VFW 3838 Local Veteran’s Relief Fund. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Melvin Nelson Kuehle please visit our Sympathy Store.
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