Melvin Evenden

MELVIN EVENDEN, age 96, of Troy, went to Heaven to meet Jesus on Friday, June 15, 2018.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 16 years, Jean (Ridenour) Evenden; son: Wayne Melvin (Sandy) Evenden; step children: Kenneth (Ann) Ridenour, John Ridenour, Patrick Ridenour and Sally (Alan) Dunavent of Troy and Juanita (Juan) Rivera and James Ridenour of TX, Jessie VanLaanen, Earl Wyatt, George (Kathy) Wyatt and Charles (Laura) Wyatt; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife: Alta V. Evenden; 2 step children Charlene Bickler and Timothy Ridenour; and 3 grandchildren Bruce Evenden, Mike Zobel and Brad VanLaanen.

Born and raised around Salem, OR, Melvin was a logger for over 20 years and then a dairy farmer until 1978. After retiring he cared for Alta until 1999 when she passed away.

Melvin served for his country in the Army in Philippine Islands during WW II, maintaining machinery and tanks. Upon discharge, he returned to Oregon, where he met and then married Alta Boies Wyatt and her five children. After her death in 1999, son, Wayne, took him on a cruise for his 80th birthday and he met Jean Ridenour from Troy. They were married July 6, 2002 and lived in Troy with yearly trips to Tillamook, OR for fishing and family visits.

Melvin enjoyed hunting and fishing in Oregon and AK. He was very active in the VFW in OR as well as a life member of Amvets #88; American Legion #43, Troy VFW #5436 as well as the Troy Senior Citizens. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy with the Rev. Fr. James Duell officiating. Friends may call on the family from 9:30-10:30 AM at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, P. O. Box 502, Troy, OH 45373, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 409 East Main Street, Troy, OH 45373, Parkinson Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232 or Donor’s favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.