Melvin Lewis Brashear, 79, passed away on January 14, 2025. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Walter and Ruth Brashear (Boushey) on October 28, 1945. He attended Rea, McClean, and Gerstmeyer High School, graduating in 1963.        He rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5 in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam in 1965-66. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League. After discharge in 1967, he attended Indiana State University from 1968-1971, majoring in Anthropology, and Cross-Cultural Studies at the University of Chicago from 1971-1972.

He was Supervisor of Classification at the Indiana Department of Correction, taking early retirement, and ran his own painting business, specializing in historic homes. Murals, and faux art.

Mel is survived by his wife Laura (Simms), whom he married in 1978, and his children Shane Brashear (Jennifer) in Brownsburg, Indiana, John Brashear (Jami) in Brazil, Indiana, Cami Foreman, Muncie, Indiana, brother Barry Brashear (Katy) in Dallas, Texas, and six grandchildren, Dylan, Emma, Abbey, Sophie, Kyndra, and Liam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Bailey, brother-in-law Al Bailey of Sumter, South Carolina.

Per His wishes, Mell has chosen cremation. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.