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McCalley, Melvin
Melvin McCalley, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at Hallmar Residential Care Center, Cedar Rapids, after an extended illness. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Springs of Life Foursquare Church, Cedar Rapids, conducted by Pastor Don Jackson. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Walker Cemetery, Walker. Military honors will be provided by Walker American Legion Ray Post #376.
Melvin was born in 1926, son of Marshall and Adelaide McCalley in Walker.
He is survived by his wife, Betsey; children, Kathleen Wilkey, Debra Mead, David (Sandy) McCalley, Suzanne (David) Kurka, Kelly Formanek and Jeffrey Formanek; grandchildren, Trevor (Melissa) Wilkey, Thaddeus (Jennifer) Wilkey, Jeremy (Laurie) Mead, Jennifer (Brian) Crider, Sean McCalley, Melinda McCalley, Benjamin (Leah) Kurka and Matthew Kurka; great-grandchildren, Maura, Madison, Sam, Nate, Ava, Eli and Charlotte; and former wife, Patricia Thompson.
Melvin served his country during World War II, as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps. He held political office as Linn County Clerk of District Court. Melvin retired as vice president of mortgage loans from People's Bank and Trust Co. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Throughout his life he gave back to his community as a member and often chairman of service and volunteer organizations too numerous to list.
Melvin loved his church and was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was our guiding light and taught us to love books, music, photography, travel and American history. We traveled the 50 states in appreciation of those who built our beautiful nation.
His hobbies included trains, planes and automobiles. He owned a Ford Model A at age 14, had his pilot's license before his driver's license and flew his own Taylorcraft in his early 20s.
At Melvin's retirement banquet, he was lauded as truly one of the last Mr. Nice Guys. Indeed, he had unwavering patience, was incredibly kind and gentle. His wisdom prevailed in the motto that honesty is the best policy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gideons, Habitat for Humanity or The Alzheimer's Association.
Please sign the online guest book for Melvin at under obituaries.
Published in The Gazette Jan. 23, 2013.
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