TRUSHEL, Melvin E. Sr., 89, of Hopedale, Ohio, died Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in Gables Cares Center in Hopedale.

Melvin was born on July 20, 1919, in Cadiz, Ohio, son of the late John and Bernice Trushel.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey McCool, on March 30, 2005; a son, Melvin Jr., in 1971; and three brothers, Edward, Dean and Jack Trushel.

He had been a mechanic with Consolidation Coal Company, retiring in 1978.

Melvin was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, enlisting on March 16, 1940. He started out in the U.S. Cavalry, and then was transferred to the Armored Division, and served in the European Theater. Among some of the decorations he received were the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge. He attended the Armored School in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Melvin was separated with the grade of Staff Sergeant.

His greatest honor was having been chosen to be one of a few select soldiers to serve as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C.

He was a member of the Hopedale American Legion No. 682; he was a life member of the Hopedale VFW No. 477, the Cadiz Eagles, and UMWA.

Melvin is survived by two sons, Larry (Linda) Trushel of Bloomingdale, Ohio, and Terry Trushel of Hopedale, Ohio, one daughter, Sandy Tedrick of Dover, Ohio, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Blackburn Funeral Home, 324 High St., Hopedale, Ohio, on Sunday, July 19, 2009, from 7-9 p.m., with services there at 11 a.m. Monday morning, July 20, 2009, with Father Robert Jackson officiating.

The Hopedale American Legion will provide military honors. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.

Blackburn Funeral Home, 740-937-2461.